Evaluation of Psychopathological Conditions, Corona Anxiety, Death Anxiety and Suicide Risk in Hemodialysis Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract Background Hemodialysis (HD) patients have serious psychopathological symptoms due to COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the psychopathological conditions among HD patients during the current pandemic and also to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of effective preventions and psychological interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 HD patients who were undergoing treatment in the Dialysis Centers of two state hospitals between July and October 2021. Brief symptom inventory, Death anxiety scale, Suicide probability scale and Corona anxiety scale were applied to the participants for the assessment. Results In the study, it was determined that HD patients had high levels of psychopathological symptoms. The mean total score was found to be 26.47 ± 20.2 in TDAS, 0.71 ± 0.51 in GSI, 3.31 ± 2.86 in CAS and 65.86 ± 9.72 in SPS. Of the participants 18.4% had high death anxiety levels and 30.7% had corona anxiety. Suicide risk was higher in HD patients. In correlation analysis; psychological distress positively correlated with suicide probability, corona anxiety and death anxiety. On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between corona anxiety and death anxiety. Conclusions As a result, it was concluded that HD patients experienced various mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychosocial support and interventions need to be planned by the healthcare system and healthcare providers to help HD patients in managing their disease and related mental health conditions.