RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY SUPPORT AND THE LEVEL OF ANXIETY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS IN HEMODIALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that reduces patients' quality of life, especially those undergoing long-term hemodialysis therapy. This condition not only causes physical burdens but also affects psychological aspects, one of which is anxiety that can hinder the patient's adaptation process. Family support plays an important role in helping patients cope with psychological pressure through emotional, instrumental, and informational support. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between family support and anxiety levels in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis at Umar Wirahadikusumah Regional General Hospital. Methods: The research used a quantitative design with a correlational descriptive approach and a cross-sectional design. The research population with an average of 138 patients per month, and 58 respondents were obtained through purposive sampling based on the Slovin formula. The research instrument used a family support questionnaire based on Friedman's theory and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) to measure anxiety levels. Data analysis used the Spearman Rank correlation test. Result: The Spearman correlation test yielded a value of r = −0.593 and p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a negative and significant relationship between family support and anxiety levels with a moderate to strong relationship strength. This indicates that the higher the family support received by patients, the lower their anxiety levels. Conclusion: Family support plays an important role in reducing the anxiety of hemodialysis patients, although internal factors such as physical condition, coping mechanisms, and perception of the disease still substantially affect anxiety levels.