Experiences of Dietary Management and Social Adaptation in Young End-Stage Renal Disease Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Qualitative Study

To explore the experiences of young hemodialysis patients regarding diet therapy and social adjustment. This study used purposive sampling to select 19 young hemodialysis patients for semi-structured interviews at a tertiary hospital in Henan Province, China. We followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines for qualitative research to ensure comprehensive reporting. We identified five topic categories: "Diet therapy perceptions", including Lack of knowledge, imprudent attitude. "Diet therapy behaviors", including Vigilant Diet, Anxiety about water, Control of salt. "Access to dietary information", including Active acquisition, Passive acquisition. Family roles", including Changes in dietary habits, Support of information, Reducing family involvement. Challenges of social adjustment", including Barriers to work, Socialization Pain Points, Emotional distress, Looking for a way out. Young MHD patients recognize the importance of diet therapy and social reintegration but face barriers including knowledge gaps, inadequate support, and self-perceived burden. Key interventions should focus on: improved knowledge dissemination, optimized dietary education, nocturnal dialysis options, emotion regulation strategies, and enhancing self-efficacy. Strengthening national and societal support systems is critical for sustainable outcomes. Future research should employ longitudinal studies to track psychological adaptation and develop tailored, technology-assisted interventions for this population.