Relationship Between Illness Adaptation and Type D Personality in Hemodialysis Patients

Although the impact of Type D personality on individuals with various chronic health conditions has been widely studied, its role in hemodialysis patients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between illness adaptation and Type D personality in hemodialysis patients and to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that influence illness adaptation.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in hemodialysis units in western Turkey from November 2021 to November 2022. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale, and the Type D Personality Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate linear regression analysis were applied to analyze the data.

A total of 138 hemodialysis patients participated in the study. The mean score for adaptation to chronic illness was 80.6 ± 13.6. Among these patients, 38.4% had Type D personality. A negative correlation was found between illness adaptation and Type D personality (r = -0.683, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that Type D personality (β = -0.255), gender (β = -0.087), age (β = 0.137), education level (β = 0.152), economic status (β = 0.177), and hemodialysis duration (β = 0.307) were significant predictors of illness adaptation.

Healthcare providers should offer individualized psychosocial care and counseling services to enhance illness adaptation in hemodialysis patients. In particular, strategies to improve adaptation should be tailored for patients with Type D personality traits.