Stressors and coping in individuals with chronic kidney disease

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure stressors of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), identify those stressors, and determine which coping strategies were used and effective. The participants reported fatigue, sleep problems, and peripheral neuropathy as the most frequently experienced stressors. Optimism as a coping style was most commonly used and was also the most effective. Stress was inversely associated with age and CKD stage, and positively associated with coping. Knowledge from this study can be used to further patient education and supportive interventions for patients with CKD.