Coping with Intradialytic Events and Stress Associated with Hemodialysis.

Intradialytic events (IDEs), such as cramping, loss of consciousness, bleeding, and allergic reactions, are major stressors for persons on hemodialysis (HD). This study examined the association between coping strategies and stress associated with HD in persons who have experienced an IDE. Using a cross-sectional correlation design, a convenience sample of patients (N=73) completed a Hemodialysis Demographic Form, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and a Hemodialysis Stress Visual Analog Scale. Most participants were African American (95%), male (52%), with a mean age of 57 (SD=11.98) years, and an average of 41 (SD=31.55) months on HD. Coping strategies explained 34% of the variance in stress associated with HD (F [11, 61] = 2.89; p=0.004); positive reappraisal and planful problem solving were negatively correlated with stress. Emotion-focused coping strategies were used most during an IDE.