The influence of spirituality and religiousness on suicide risk and mental health of patients undergoing hemodialysis

摘要

Abstract Background Despite the large amount of literature assessing how spiritual and religious beliefs have an impact on mental health and suicide risk in various groups of patients, few studies have investigated patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether spirituality and religiousness (S/R) are associated with the presence of suicide risk as well as whether those beliefs are also associated with the presence of mental health problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods Cross-sectional study carried out in three Brazilian dialysis units involving hemodialysis patients. The study assessed religiousness (Duke Religion Index); spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp 12); mental health - depression and anxiety (Mini International Neuropsychiatric InterviewMINI); and risk of suicide (MINI). For analysis, adjusted logistic regression models were applied. Results A total of 264 (80.7%) patients were included, 17.8% presented suicide risk, 14.0% presented current major depressive episode, and 14.7% presented generalized anxiety disorder. Concerning spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp 12), the subscale of Meaning was associated with lower risk of suicide, depression, and anxiety. The subscale Peace was associated with lower depression and anxiety, whereas the subscale Faith was associated with lower suicide risk and depression. Religiousness measures were not associated with the study outcomes. Conclusion Spiritual beliefs were associated with lower suicide risk and better mental health among hemodialysis patients. Factors related to spiritual well-being, such as meaning, peace and faith were more associated with the outcomes studied than religious involvement. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in different cultural and religious settings.