Surreal illustration of a dialysis patient with floating thought bubbles representing coping strategies.

Dialysis Dilemmas: Can Your Coping Strategy Impact Your Health?

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 3 min read.

"New research explores how your approach to stress can affect treatment adherence and well-being during hemodialysis."

For individuals undergoing hemodialysis, managing their condition involves far more than just medical treatments. Non-adherence to treatment plans and the presence of other illnesses (comorbidities) are common challenges, significantly affecting both health outcomes and financial stability. With the non-adherence rate potentially reaching as high as 80%, there's a pressing need to understand the factors influencing patient behavior and overall well-being.

A recent study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science sheds light on the critical role coping strategies play in the lives of hemodialysis patients. Coping strategies are the methods people use to manage and overcome stressful situations. This research delves into how these strategies impact treatment adherence, the severity of comorbidities, and overall psychological health.

By understanding the relationship between coping strategies and health outcomes, healthcare professionals can better support patients in adopting healthier behaviors and improving their quality of life. This article breaks down the study's findings, offering practical insights for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike.

Decoding Coping Strategies: What Works Best for Hemodialysis Patients?

Surreal illustration of a dialysis patient with floating thought bubbles representing coping strategies.

The study, involving 49 hemodialysis patients, categorized participants into three main groups based on their dominant coping strategy:

The study assessed coping strategies using a Korean version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (K-WCQ), which evaluates different approaches to dealing with stress. Researchers also collected data on comorbidities using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and measured treatment adherence with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

Problem-Focused (PRO): This group actively tackles problems and seeks solutions.
Support-Seeking (SUP): This group relies on seeking emotional and practical support from others.
Hopeful-Thinking (HOP): This group tends to focus on positive thinking and wishful outcomes.

The research revealed some key differences between these groups:

Practical Steps for Patients and Caregivers

The study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the coping strategies used by hemodialysis patients. Encouraging problem-focused coping, where patients actively seek solutions and take control of their health, can lead to better treatment adherence and improved management of comorbid conditions. Healthcare providers should assess patients' coping mechanisms and tailor interventions to promote healthier coping styles, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e148, Alternate LINK

Title: Influence Of Major Coping Strategies On Treatment Non-Adherence And Severity Of Comorbid Conditions In Hemodialysis Patients

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Korean Medical Science

Publisher: Korean Academy of Medical Sciences

Authors: Hyun Chan Hwang, Hye Ri Kim, Doug Hyun Han, Ji Sun Hong, So-Hee Jeong, Jung-Ho Shin, Su-Hyun Kim, Jin Ho Hwang, Sun Mi Kim

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are coping strategies, and what role do they play in managing a condition?

Coping strategies are the methods individuals use to manage and overcome stressful situations. The study identified three main coping strategies among hemodialysis patients: Problem-Focused (PRO), Support-Seeking (SUP), and Hopeful-Thinking (HOP). The choice of strategy can significantly influence treatment adherence, the severity of comorbidities, and overall psychological health. Understanding these strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals to support patients effectively.

How do coping strategies affect treatment and overall health?

The research found that different coping strategies have varying impacts. Problem-Focused (PRO) coping, which involves actively tackling problems, can lead to better treatment adherence and improved management of comorbid conditions. This is significant because higher treatment adherence is directly associated with better health outcomes and quality of life for individuals undergoing hemodialysis.

Why is adherence to treatment so important for individuals undergoing hemodialysis?

Non-adherence to treatment plans is a major challenge for individuals undergoing hemodialysis, with rates potentially reaching as high as 80%. This non-adherence significantly affects health outcomes and financial stability. Comorbidities, or the presence of other illnesses, further complicate the situation, impacting both the physical and psychological well-being of patients. Addressing non-adherence and managing comorbidities are essential steps in improving the overall health outcomes for hemodialysis patients.

How can healthcare professionals use this information to improve patient care?

Healthcare professionals can assess patients' coping mechanisms using tools like the Korean version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (K-WCQ). They can then tailor interventions to promote healthier coping styles, such as encouraging Problem-Focused (PRO) coping. By understanding and addressing these strategies, providers can enhance patients' overall well-being and improve their quality of life.

What are the practical implications of these findings for patients and caregivers?

The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing the coping strategies used by hemodialysis patients. Encouraging Problem-Focused (PRO) coping, where patients actively seek solutions and take control of their health, can lead to better treatment adherence and improved management of comorbid conditions. Healthcare providers, caregivers, and patients themselves can all play a role in adopting strategies that promote healthier behaviors, ultimately improving overall well-being.