Anxiety in patients with renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Facing kidney disease entails a multitude of changes and reactions in patients; negative emotional states, such as anxiety, are common (Sánchez et al., 2018). Anxiety is highly prevalent in this population group (Goh & Griva, 2018). Chronic illness gives rise to "paranormative" crises—unexpected, non-normative life events—that impact various areas of human functioning. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of anxiety in patients with kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Materials and Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental study using non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 94 patients treated at the Socihemod Santo Domingo Clinic in 2022. Instruments included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI/IDARE), a sociodemographic profile, and informed consent forms; a review of existing literature was also conducted.

Results: State and trait anxiety were present in more than 50% of the patients. Male patients exhibited high levels in both anxiety categories. Among women, a high level of trait anxiety predominated (62%). High state anxiety was observed in over 50% of patients with either type of vascular access. Moderate trait anxiety was found in patients with fistulas, while high trait anxiety was found in those with catheters. Patients undergoing treatment for a duration of 3 months to 1 year scored high on both state and trait anxiety, with state anxiety being predominant.

Conclusions: Anxiety is an emotional disorder affecting patients with kidney disease. State and trait anxiety are present in more than 50% of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis at the Socihemod Santo Domingo Clinic; moderate and high levels are significantly elevated. Patients with fistulas and those with catheters alike report high levels of both state and trait anxiety. Regarding the duration of hemodialysis and manifestations of anxiety, this could be considered within the range of psychological adaptation and acceptance of the medical treatment and lifestyle changes.