Hemodialysis Patients’ Emotional Profiles and Associated Symptomatology: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. Emotional disorders are common and contribute to a higher prevalence of symptoms compared to that in the general population. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the emotional profiles and symptomatology in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional, observational/analytical study was developed in seven centers of the Spanish Renal Foundation in the Community of Madrid (Spain). The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid (C.I. 20/685-E). In the study, two validated measurement scales were used: the Mood Rating Scale (EVEA) to assess the “emotional profile” and the Palliative care Outcome Scale, Renal Symptoms (POS-S Renal) to evaluate “symptomatology”. Results: The sample (245 patients) was predominantly male (65.7%; n = 161), with a mean age of 63.52 years (SD = 14.99) and an average HD treatment duration of 81.44 months (SD = 96.62). The analysis of the symptom–emotion relationships revealed that patients with a sadness–depression profile had a higher probability of experiencing weakness or a lack of energy (OR = 1.741; CI 95% 1.01–3.00) and feelings of depression (OR = 3.236; CI 95% 1.98–5.30). Additionally, patients with an anger–hostility profile exhibited a significant association with pain (OR = 3.463; CI 95% 1.34–8.94) and excessive sleepiness (OR = 3.796; CI 95% 1.21–11.95), indicating that this emotional state substantially increases the likelihood of developing these symptoms. Conclusions: The emotional profiles of CKD patients undergoing HD significantly influence their symptomatology. While positive emotions may play a protective role in preventing debilitating symptoms, negative emotions increase the risk of their onset. These findings highlight the importance of addressing emotional well-being as part of comprehensive care for HD patients.