2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B

author(s)
Sumaya Ali Aqeel and Abbas Lateef Muhe-Aldeen

abstract

Background: Chronic renal failure constitutes a significant public health concern that profoundly impacts the mental and emotional well-being of individuals undergoing hemodialysis. Hemodialysis, a form of renal replacement therapy, may induce many psychological and social issues.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the psychological aspects of those who are receiving hemodialysis in Kirkuk city. Also to find out the relationships among level of overall psychological wellbeing and habits and clinical characteristics of participants.

Method: A quantitative (descriptive design) study, non-probability (purposive) sample which consist of (260) patients who undergoing hemodialysis treatment at the Al-Amal Dialysis Center in Kirkuk City from November 20, 2024, to May 30, 2025. used to collect the data by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scales with Likert scale from (0-4). The data were gathered through face-to-face interviews with the participants. The data were analyzed by SPSS (version 26.0) were applied.

Results: The most of the study sample were male (56.2%); within aged between (60 and 69) years (32.4%); had low education levels (not read & not write) (27.3%); less than half of the studied samples were classified as housewife" (40%); were classified as having barely sufficient status (49.2%). Were never smokers, slept 3-4 hours per day, had a chronic disease duration of 7 years or more, had hypertension as a secondary chronic condition, received an intermediate evaluation of social relationships.

Conclusions: The most of the study sample had a moderate level of psychological well-being. In addition, there is no significant relationship between psychological aspect with habits and clinical characteristics among the hemodialysis patients

Recommendation: The study indicated that health care providers should check patients for mental health issues and come up with a complete care plan that includes both drug and Health care providers should also work to build supportive relationships with their patients, since both family and provider support have a small but positive effect on mental health.