What the study found
The study identified three distinct illness perception profiles among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: Low Perception-Optimistic, Moderate Perception-Peaceful, and High Perception-Pessimistic. The findings also show that these profiles were associated with different sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and coping-related factors.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the heterogeneity in illness perceptions suggests a need for personalized interventions. They say the profiles and their associated factors may help support targeted interventions aimed at improving treatment adherence, self-management, and quality of life in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used an explanatory mixed-methods design. In the quantitative phase, they studied 291 hemodialysis patients in China from May to July 2024 using the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire and latent profile analysis, then examined predictors with univariate and multivariate logistic regression. In the qualitative phase, they interviewed 16 participants from August to September 2024 and analyzed the interviews with the Colaizzi seven-step method.
What worked and what didn't
Latent profile analysis identified three groups: Low Perception-Optimistic (39.2%), Moderate Perception-Peaceful (16.5%), and High Perception-Pessimistic (44.3%). The profiles differed significantly in age, education, employment, income, dialysis duration, primary disease, comorbidity count, anxiety and depression, symptom severity, health literacy, self-efficacy, coping style, and perceived social support. The qualitative analysis found four main themes: illness experience, emotional experience, illness impact, and illness coping.
What to keep in mind
The study was conducted at a single hospital in China, so the sample is limited in scope. The abstract also does not describe intervention testing, and it does not report limitations beyond the call for future research on interventions and broader contextual factors.
Key points
- Three illness perception profiles were identified in 291 maintenance hemodialysis patients.
- The largest group was High Perception-Pessimistic, at 44.3%.
- Profiles were linked with age, education, income, dialysis duration, symptoms, health literacy, self-efficacy, coping style, and social support.
- Avoidance or surrender coping strategies were associated with greater likelihood of some less favorable profiles.
- The qualitative interviews produced four themes: illness experience, emotional experience, illness impact, and illness coping.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Three illness perception profiles found in maintenance hemodialysis patients
- Authors:
- Jin Zhao, Qian Zhao, Huize Xu, Minghua Han, Zhongwen Chang, Juzi Wang
- Institutions:
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-07-03
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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