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Impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the psychological state and sleep quality of hemodialysis patients (Master thesis)

Χρηστίδου, Φωτεινή/ Christidou, Foteini

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected mental health, intensifying symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which in turn impacted the sleep quality of the general population. Given that women, younger individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions were considered more vulnerable, this research thesis focused on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the psychological state and sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. Specifically, a random sample of 68 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at the "Agios Pavlos" Hospital in Thessaloniki during the pandemic was selected. The purpose of the study was to examine whether and to what extent the psychological state and sleep quality of the sample were affected, to assess the role of demographic factors (gender, age, income), as well as electronic or in-person communication with friends. Data collection was conducted using a demographic questionnaire, the DASS-42 scale for measuring psychological state, and finally, the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) for measuring sleep quality. In conclusion, based on the study's results, no significant differentiation was observed in the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the patients in the sample compared to the general population, while inperson meetings and communication with friends appeared to play an important role in the psychological state and sleep quality of the patients.