The Relationship Between Coping and Resilience in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis at the Adam Malik Medan Hajj Center General Hospital
Introduction
Chronic kidney failure is a progressive medical condition that cannot be cured, regardless of its cause. Patients with chronic kidney failure must undergo hemodialysis treatment for the rest of their lives, unless they opt for a kidney transplant. The dependence on dialysis machines and significant lifestyle changes often lead to serious psychological problems for patients. To overcome the various discomforts and threats faced by hemodialysis procedures, individuals need to implement coping strategies, which are efforts to reduce the negative impacts of the situation.
Coping strategies are divided into two types: Problem-Focused Coping, which aims to overcome the problem directly, and Emotion-Focused Coping, which focuses on the management of emotions that arise due to the problem. Research by YI, Smith, and Vitaliano (2005) and Sutanto (2005) showed that individuals who use problem-focus coping strategies have higher resilience compared to those who use emotion-focused coping, which tends to have lower resilience.
Background
Chronic kidney failure is a significant health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition requires patients to undergo hemodialysis treatment, which can be a life-changing experience. The psychological impact of hemodialysis can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. To address these issues, patients need to develop effective coping strategies to manage their emotions and deal with the challenges of hemodialysis.
Methodology
This study used a cross-sectional design involving 92 respondents chosen through purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected with a questionnaire about resilience compiled by Wagnild and Young (1993) as well as questionnaires about coping compiled by Carver (1997), both of which have been adapted by researchers. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between coping and resilience strategies in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Adam Malik Hajj General Hospital in Medan.
Results
The results showed that there was no significant relationship between coping strategies that focused on problems and high resilience levels, as well as coping strategies that focused on emotions and low resilience levels. This finding shows that the hypothesis that states the relationship is rejected. Interestingly, both coping strategies that focus on problems and those that focus on emotions are often used simultaneously, as revealed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). Of the 92 respondents, 56.5% have high resilience, 12% are at a moderate resilience level, and 31.5% shows low resilience.
Discussion
The findings of this study suggest that coping strategies are not the only determining factor of resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. Other factors, such as social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, may also play a significant role in determining resilience levels. The study recommends efforts to strengthen resilience sources that refer to the theory of Grotberg (2001), which identifies three main components: "I have," "I am," and "I can."
The "I have" component refers to external support from the closest people, such as family, friends, or partners. "I am" focusing on the development of inner strength, which can be obtained through consistent religious or spiritual practice. Meanwhile, "I can" emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills and effective problem-solving skills, where good social abilities become very instrumental.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable insight about the need for a holistic approach to treating patients with chronic kidney failure, with an emphasis on effective coping development and strong resilience to improve their quality of life. The findings of this study suggest that coping strategies are not the only determining factor of resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. Other factors, such as social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, may also play a significant role in determining resilience levels.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
Healthcare providers should adopt a holistic approach to treating patients with chronic kidney failure, focusing on effective coping development and strong resilience.
Patients with chronic kidney failure should be encouraged to develop problem-focused coping strategies to manage their emotions and deal with the challenges of hemodialysis.
Healthcare providers should provide patients with chronic kidney failure with access to social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills training to improve their resilience levels.
Further research is needed to explore the relationship between coping and resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis, including the role of other factors such as social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of coping and resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis.
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.
The study did not explore the role of other factors, such as social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, in determining resilience levels.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to explore the relationship between coping and resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis, including the role of other factors such as social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, research should aim to develop and evaluate interventions that promote effective coping development and strong resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure.
References
Carver, C. S. (1997). You want to know the future? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(5), 1059-1074.
Grotberg, E. (2001). Theories of resilience: Classic perspectives. In M. Ungar (Ed.), The social ecology of resilience: A handbook for practitioners, researchers, and communities (pp. 3-15). New York: Springer.
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer.
Sutanto, A. (2005). Coping strategies and resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14(7), 831-838.
Wagnild, G. M., & Young, H. M. (1993). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Resilience Scale. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 1(1), 35-48.
YI, J., Smith, J., & Vitaliano, P. P. (2005). Coping and resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(2), 147-155.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coping and Resilience in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Q: What is chronic kidney failure, and how does it affect patients?
A: Chronic kidney failure is a progressive medical condition that cannot be cured, regardless of its cause. Patients with chronic kidney failure must undergo hemodialysis treatment for the rest of their lives, unless they opt for a kidney transplant. The dependence on dialysis machines and significant lifestyle changes often lead to serious psychological problems for patients.
Q: What are coping strategies, and how do they help patients with chronic kidney failure?
A: Coping strategies are efforts to reduce the negative impacts of a situation. In the context of chronic kidney failure, coping strategies can help patients manage their emotions, deal with the challenges of hemodialysis, and improve their quality of life. There are two types of coping strategies: Problem-Focused Coping, which aims to overcome the problem directly, and Emotion-Focused Coping, which focuses on the management of emotions that arise due to the problem.
Q: What is resilience, and how does it relate to coping strategies?
A: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. In the context of chronic kidney failure, resilience is the ability of patients to cope with the challenges of hemodialysis and maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that individuals who use problem-focus coping strategies have higher resilience compared to those who use emotion-focused coping.
Q: What are the benefits of developing effective coping strategies and strong resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure?
A: Developing effective coping strategies and strong resilience can improve the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney failure. It can help them manage their emotions, deal with the challenges of hemodialysis, and maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
Q: What are some ways to strengthen resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure?
A: There are several ways to strengthen resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure, including:
Developing problem-focused coping strategies
Building social support networks
Engaging in regular exercise and physical activity
Practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing
Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Q: What are some challenges that patients with chronic kidney failure may face in developing effective coping strategies and strong resilience?
A: Patients with chronic kidney failure may face several challenges in developing effective coping strategies and strong resilience, including:
Limited access to healthcare services and resources
Limited social support networks
Limited financial resources
Limited access to education and training on coping strategies and resilience
Limited access to mental health services and support
Q: What are some recommendations for healthcare providers and caregivers to support patients with chronic kidney failure in developing effective coping strategies and strong resilience?
A: Healthcare providers and caregivers can support patients with chronic kidney failure in developing effective coping strategies and strong resilience by:
Providing education and training on coping strategies and resilience
Building social support networks for patients
Encouraging patients to engage in regular exercise and physical activity
Encouraging patients to practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing
Providing access to mental health services and support
Q: What are some future research directions for coping and resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis?
A: Future research should aim to explore the relationship between coping and resilience in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis, including the role of other factors such as social support, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, research should aim to develop and evaluate interventions that promote effective coping development and strong resilience in patients with chronic kidney failure.
Q: What are some implications of this research for policy and practice?
A: The findings of this research have several implications for policy and practice, including:
The need for healthcare providers to adopt a holistic approach to treating patients with chronic kidney failure, focusing on effective coping development and strong resilience.
The need for patients with chronic kidney failure to have access to education and training on coping strategies and resilience.
The need for patients with chronic kidney failure to have access to social support networks and mental health services and support.
The need for healthcare providers and caregivers to provide patients with chronic kidney failure with access to resources and services that promote effective coping development and strong resilience.