Living in hemodialysis without social insurance: The voices of renal sick people and their families

To examine the perspectives and practices of renal sick people and their families without social insurance regarding problems faced while on dialysis treatment. A qualitative research was developed in Guadalajara, Mexico. Thirty-seven renal sick people on hemodialysis and 50 relatives participated; all affiliated to Seguro Popular. Information was gathered through individual and group interviews. Directed content analysis was carried out. Renal sick people and their families face multiple difficulties while on hemodialysis treatment; nevertheless, economic ones are perceived as a priority due to treatment expenses, lack of financial resources and non-coverage of kidney disease by Seguro Popular. Multiple actions are combined in a circular searching for help process to face the economic burden. Hemodialysis treatment is an unbearable economic burden for renal sick people and their families without social insurance. Universal access to renal therapies should be implemented urgently.