Research Information System
Nursing Open, vol.13, no.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Aims: This study was aimed at understanding the relationship between trait anxiety levels and coping strategies and social support in Turkish patients undergoing haemodialysis. Design: The cross-sectional design was used in the study. Methods: The sample consisted of 462 patients undergoing haemodialysis selected through the convenience sampling method. The study data were collected from patients undergoing haemodialysis at seven private haemodialysis centres in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, between August 2019 and March 2020. Results: Findings revealed that the level of trait anxiety in these patients fell within the low anxiety range but was close to the threshold for moderate anxiety, indicating that the participants' anxiety levels were on the higher end of the low range. Religion/spirituality, acceptance and positive reframing were the most frequently used problem-focused coping strategies, and self-distraction, venting and self-blame were the most frequently used emotion-focused coping strategies reported by the participants. Significant correlations were determined between the participants' trait anxiety levels, emotional and problem-focused coping strategies, social support levels. Social support systems patients undergoing haemodialysis have, and problem-focused coping strategies used by them affect their trait anxiety levels significantly. Conclusion: The social support systems of patients undergoing haemodialysis and their use of problem-focused coping strategies explained a significant portion of the variance in trait anxiety levels. The findings demonstrated that patients who more frequently employed problem-focused coping strategies reported lower levels of trait anxiety and perceived higher levels of social support. Impact: This study has the potential to develop effective interventions in clinical practice and at the societal level to improve the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of Turkish patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment by examining in depth the relationships between trait anxiety levels, coping strategies and social support levels. Patient or Public Contribution: The study participants were individuals over 18 years of age who were Turkish patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment at the time of completing the questionnaire.