• Suresh Kumar Bamania
• Anita choudhary
• Hangnyei T Konyak
• Parveen Kaur
• Riya

Abstract Background End –Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)is a progressive condition requiring lifelong renal replacement therapy such as hemodialysis. Despite technological advances, patients continue to face complications, inadequate self-care and psychological challenges, which affect their quality of life and outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess self-care practices, treatment-seeking behaviour, and prevalence of complications among patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 70 patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Dialysis Unit of Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh, in April 2025. Data were collected through structured interviews using a self-care checklist, treatment-seeking behaviour schedule, complications checklist, and the ESRD Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for analysis. Results: The majority were males (82.9%), aged above 50 years (44.3%), and educated up to secondary or higher level. Adherence to prescribed treatment was high (97.1%). Self-care practices were adequate for diet and hygiene but weaker in oral hygiene and emotional management. Treatment-seeking was timely, with 64.3% consulting a doctor the same day of symptom onset and 68.6% preferring allopathic care. Common complications included tremors (78.6%), muscle weakness (65.7%), hypertension (38.6%), anemia (41.4%), along with psychological stress and financial burden. Conclusion: ESRD patients demonstrated good adherence and timely treatment-seeking but faced a high burden of clinical and psychosocial complications. Structured education, psychosocial support, and early interventions are essential to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: ESRD, Hemodialysis, Self-care, Treatment-seeking behaviour, Complications

"“Self care practices, Treatment-Seeking Behaviour and Complications among patients with End -Stage Renal Disease.”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no.g79-g94, August-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508612.pdf

"“Self care practices, Treatment-Seeking Behaviour and Complications among patients with End -Stage Renal Disease.”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no. ppg79-g94, August-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508612.pdf