A significant proportion of patents under hemodialysis treatment manifest anxiety symptoms, which may affect compliance to treatment and quality of life.

The aim of the present study was to investigate anxiety levels of patients under hemodialysis treatment, as well as the relationship between socio-demographic/clinical factors and anxiety.

A total of 105 patients with chronic kidney failure under hemodialysis treatment (64 men and 41 women) with a mean age of 72.51 ± 7.55 years were recruited and completed (a) a demographic questionnaire and (b) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

58.1% of the participants were male; while the 59.6% of the participants were married and the 60.2% were retired. Our participants exhibited higher state, trait and total anxiety levels compared to general population. There were a statistically significant association between factors, including patients’ functionality, gender, physical exercise, hemodialysis complications, marital status, educational level and anxiety levels. Women exhibited a statistically significant higher state anxiety levels compared to men. Widowed participants, that is, people living alone who had experienced the loss of a beloved one, reported higher state, trait and total anxiety levels. Finally, people with higher education showed lower trait and total anxiety. Individuals who were capable of taking care of themselves reported lower state, trait and total anxiety levels with a statistically significant difference compared to those who needed external help. Additionally, those who physically exercised exhibited statistically significant lower state, trait and total anxiety levels compared to those who didn’t exercise.

The conclusions of the present study could be a critical point in determining guidelines that would substantially contribute to the improvement of the psychological state of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.