Anxiety levels and factors associated with pain during arteriovenous fistula cannulation in hemodialysis patients

Çetin Ş., AYDEMİR T., ceyhan o.

Eurasian clinical and analytical medicine (Online), cilt.14, sa.1, ss.5-9, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Aim Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently experience pain and anxiety due to repeated arteriovenous fistula use. This study aimed to assess anxiety levels, pain severity during arteriovenous fistula cannulation, and associated factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and Methods This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. One hundred and sixty-eight adults who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The Individual Identification Form, Visual Analog Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used in data collection. For data analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 24) was used, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Individuals experienced mild to moderate anxiety levels (state anxiety = 48.91 ± 9.76, trait anxiety = 48.22 ± 9.28) and reported pain due to arteriovenous fistula cannulation (4.32 ± 2.43). Factors such as age, duration of arteriovenous fistula, state and trait anxiety levels, presence of anxiety related to arteriovenous fistula, type of needle used, intake of anxiolytics, and the development of arteriovenous fistula-related complications were found to significantly influence arteriovenous fistula cannulation pain, explaining 46.4% of the variance (R² = 0.464). Discussion The study found that individuals undergoing hemodialysis experience mild to moderate levels of anxiety and pain. Accordingly, the assessment and management of anxiety and arteriovenous fistula-related pain symptoms, which are frequently observed and can trigger each other, are essential for enhancing satisfaction with hemodialysis treatment, improving treatment adherence, and reducing the risk of mortality.