The Relationship Between Spiritual Needs, Anxiety, and Depression Levels in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and purpose: Anxiety and depression are prevalent problems associated with chronic diseases, such as hemodialysis. It is possible to reduce the psychological problems of hemodialysis patients by detecting the needs of these patients. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual needs and the levels of anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted using descriptive correlational method. The statistical population of this study was comprised of 164 hemodialysis patients who referred to Shahrvand Kidney Diseases Center in Sari. They were included in the study by a convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included demographic information questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression questionnaire (1983), and Büssing et al. emotional needs questionnaire (2010). Data were analyzed using SPSS V25 applying descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation. Spearman's correlation coefficient and regression were performed to examine the relationship between variables. Results: A total of 164 people participated in this study. The mean score of spiritual needs of hemodialysis patients was 27.62±10.85. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between spiritual needs and all its subscales, and anxiety and depression (P<0.05, r=0.721 for anxiety, and r=0.645 for depression). Also, religious and emotional subscales were the best predictive variables for anxiety; and religious and existential subscales were the best predictors of depression. Conclusion: Based on the observed relationship between spiritual needs, and anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients, more attention should be paid to these needs and the factors exacerbating the conditions of hemodialysis patients. Also, more studies are required to gain a better understanding of their needs and to find ways to improve their conditions.