MANAGING ANXIETY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS: CAN PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION REDUCE ANXIETY?

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) requiring long-term hemodialysis can cause anxiety. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a non-pharmacological intervention that can be used to reduce anxiety. This study aimed to determine the effect of PMR on anxiety among CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study employed a pre-experimental design using a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The population consisted of 215 CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis at RSI Sakinah Mojokerto. A total of 37 respondents were selected using consecutive sampling. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). PMR was administered for 15–20 minutes before hemodialysis. The results showed that before the intervention, most respondents experienced severe anxiety (37.8%), whereas after the intervention, most respondents reported no anxiety (32.4%). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed a p-value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). PMR helps reduce anxiety by decreasing muscle tension, promoting physical relaxation, and suppressing sympathetic nervous system activation involved in the stress response, thereby enabling patients to feel calmer and more comfortable during hemodialysis. In conclusion, PMR is effective in reducing anxiety among CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.