The College of Nursing at the University of Baghdad examined a doctoral dissertation titled “Understanding the Benefits and Barriers of Exercise Among Hemodialysis Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study,” presented by the doctoral candidate Saja Kareem Jassim.
The study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers to physical exercise among adult patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at the Basra Hemodialysis Center. The findings demonstrated that patients possess a high awareness of the substantial physical and psychological benefits of physical activity. However, integrating the quantitative and qualitative data revealed multidimensional barriers that often impede regular adherence, primarily chronic fatigue, dyspnea, pain, low motivation, psychosocial distress, and limited accessible fitness environments. The researcher recommended integrating structured, individualized exercise and rehabilitation programs into routine hemodialysis care plans—tailored to each patient’s functional capacity, fatigue levels, and comorbidities—while creating supportive clinical environments that address these multifaceted barriers. Following a rigorous defense, the candidate was awarded the degree with a rating of “Very Good.”
The outcomes of this dissertation align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily advancing Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-Being” by enhancing the quality of life and mitigating physical and psychological complications for patients with chronic end-stage kidney disease. It also supports Goal 4: “Quality Education” through advancing evidence-based rehabilitation and clinical nursing knowledge, alongside Goal 10: “Reduced Inequalities” by fostering accessible, adapted healthcare environments that safeguard the health and well-being of vulnerable clinical populations.
