Background and aim of the Work : End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients on Hemodialysis (HD) are vulnerable to many psychological disorders. This study aim was to assess the psychological problems among patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis.
Subjects and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the hemodialysis unit in Ibrahimia Central Hospital, at Ibrahimia City, Sharkia Governorate. A purposive sample of 82 adult patients on regular HD in the study settings during the time of the study.The study lasted from the beginning of October2016to the end of December 2016. Results : Four tools were used for collection of data. An interview questionnaire sheet was used in data collection. It included a section for patient's socio-demographic characteristics and second section was for patient's medical history. Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale. the patients' characteristics had a significant influence on this score. Concerning the suicidal ideation score, patients' anxiety score was the only statistically significant independent positive predictor. Conversely, the years of hemodialysis was a negative predictor. The model explains 34% of the variation in the suicidal ideation score. None of the patients' characteristics had a significant influence on this score.
Conclusion : In conclusion, ESRD patients on regular HD in the study settings suffer high levels of anxiety and suicidal ideation, and low self-esteem. The level of anxiety decreases their self-esteem and eventually increases their suicidal ideation. The study recommends periodic regular psychological evaluation all ESRD patients on HD for early detection of any deviations from normal. The nephrology and the psychiatric nurse should be trained in the use of simple scales to screen these patients for such disorders, and should hold related educational sessions. Further research is proposed to test the effectiveness of nursing interventions in alleviating ESRD patient's anxiety and suicidal ideation, and improving their self-esteem.