Sense of meaning influences mental functioning in chronic renal patients

J Health Psychol. 2020 Oct;25(12):1978-1988. doi: 10.1177/1359105318781908. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Abstract

In this preliminary study, we examined whether aspects of spiritual well-being accounted for mental and physical health-related quality of life in 68 patients with end-stage renal disease, when controlling for age, type of treatment, physical symptoms, and worries. Hierarchical multiple regressions showed that meaning was associated with better mental health, while worry and physical symptoms also accounted for poor mental health. Faith and peace did not contribute to mental health. Older age, type of treatment (hemodialysis), and physical symptoms accounted for poor physical health. Our findings suggest that clinicians should include spiritual well-being in future interventions for end-stage renal disease patients.

Keywords: end-stage renal disease; health-related quality of life; hemodialysis; physical symptoms; renal transplantation; spiritual well-being; worry.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Spirituality