A Study on Anxiety among Hemodialysis Patients in Kerala

By : Tessy Grace Mathews, Elsheba Mathew

Page No: 295-303

Abstract
End Stage Renal Disease is a clinical condition which is on the rise in the recent years and anxiety among them, a diagnostic challenge for the health professionals. Anxiety that may emerge during the initial course of dialysis can continue throughout affecting the compliance, quality of life and survival. Thus identification and management of the anxiety symptoms among dialysis patients is very important. There is a lack of studies in India exploring the magnitude and nature of anxiety in this clinical population. Objective: To determine the level of anxiety in ESRD patients, its association with selected demographic, socio economic, disease and treatment related characteristics of ESRD patients. Method: Descriptive survey method was used. 112 participants diagnosed with ESRD and on hemodialysis were recruited from both government and private hospitals through purposive sampling. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were maintained. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, a self -administered tool and Personal Data Sheet were used to assess the anxiety symptoms and to obtain information as per the objectives. Descriptive analysis and Chi square test were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 112 participants, 31.3% had severe levels of anxiety and 47.3% moderate levels of anxiety. There was a significant association between the anxiety levels and education (p=0.002) and the monthly income (p=0.02). Conclusion: Majority of the ESRD patients have moderate to severe anxiety requiring intervention. This emphasizes the need to identify as well as manage anxiety among them and develop appropriate intervention.

Authors :
Elsheba Mathew : Asstt. Professor, PIMS & RC, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.
Tessy Grace Mathews : Research Scholar — School of Behavioral Sciences, M. G. University, Kerala.