Psychosocial aspects of the dialysis patient. A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is in the early stages a progressive and underdiagnosed pathology, and in advanced stages it requires renal replacement therapy, dialysis being the most commonly used. Consequently, this has a strong impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of patients, with repercussions on their quality of life. Objective: To identify the scientific evidence on psychosocial factors associated with dialysis patients. Methodology: A systematised literature review based on the PRISMA statement was carried out in the Pubmed, Proquest and Scielo databases. For this purpose, a series of search strategies were used in which the following MeSH terms were used: “Hemodialysis”, “Peritoneal dialysis”, “Psychosocial factors”, “Psychosocial cares”. The search was limited to 5 years. Results: Twenty-eight articles were selected. All except one randomised controlled trial had a descriptive observational design. Several variables emerged as important: altered emotional state, coping, work situation, depression and anxiety, social support and health-related quality of life. Conclusions: The main psychosocial aspects associated with dialysis patients were mostly depression and anxiety, and to a lesser extent social support, altered emotional state, work situation and coping. Work situation, depression and anxiety are related to a poorer quality of life, while the presence of social support and the “avoidance” coping style improve the patient’s quality of life.