The Role of Spirituality in Anxiety and Psychological Resilience of Hemodialysis Patients in Turkey

J Relig Health. 2023 Dec;62(6):4297-4315. doi: 10.1007/s10943-023-01855-y. Epub 2023 Jun 24.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health problem that affects millions of people worldwide and its end-stage manifestation requires hemodialysis treatment, which can have a considerable impact on patients' mental health and quality of life. This study aims to examine the relationship between spirituality and anxiety, as well as spirituality and psychological resilience among hemodialysis patients using the iterative weighted least squares method. Participants included 91 hemodialysis patients, consisting of 49 females and 42 males, whose ages ranged from 20 to 82 years, with a mean age of 48 (SD = 14). The data were collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Spirituality Scale, and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale. Results indicated a weak positive relationship between spirituality and psychological resilience (t = 1.35, P = .183) and a moderate negative relationship between spirituality and anxiety (t = -2.84, P = .006). Furthermore, spirituality accounted for a 1% variance in psychological resilience and a 5% of the variance in anxiety. Additionally, patients' education level, gender, and whom they live with were relatively stronger correlates of psychological resilience, while the patient's education level, gender, marital status, whom they live with, presence of another patient at home receiving hemodialysis treatment were strong correlates of anxiety. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of CKD management to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: Anxiety; Hemodialysis Patients; Psychological Resilience; Spirituality.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Renal Dialysis / psychology
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / psychology
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Spirituality
  • Turkey
  • Young Adult