Identification of the psychosocial stressors in chronic Hemodialysis patients

Abstract EN

Hemodialysis patients (HDP) are threatened by many sources of stress from the internal and external environment.

These stresses affect their ability to cope with their illness, work, social life and therefore aggravate the patient's physical and psychological condition.

This study is aimed at identifying the major sources of stress experienced by HDP in Jordan.

Furthermore, it will examine the differences between male and female patients in their rating of stress severity.

Ninety HDPs who received treatment at the Hemodialysis unit at the King Hussein Medical Centre were using the Hemodialysis Stress Scale which was developed to fulfill the purpose of this study.

The scale consists of 30 items that rate different stresses associated with hemodialysis.

A factor analysis was performed using a principle component analysis.

This resulted in three factor solutions that explained 50% of the total variance.

The item loadings in the (HDP) revealed a coherent theme, with factors reflecting psychological, physical and social stress.

In addition a stability coefficient was established using the Test-Retest method.

Results showed that female patients suffer from psychological stress significantly more frequently than male patients.

But no differences were found between male and female patients when rating the severity of physical and social stresses.

This study suggests some methods which may help HDP to cope more effectively with stress.