EVOLUTION OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH DURING THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF DIALYSIS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Background: Initiating dialysis can produce psychological benefits. These positive changes, most frequently referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG), have not previously been explored in these patients. Objective: To identify patterns in the temporal course of PTG in patients during their first 12 months of dialysis, and to relate to perceived stress. Design: A prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Setting and Methods: The sample included 98 patients, aged from 18 to 70 years, who commenced dialysis in the nine nephrology units of the Basque Country, Spain. Three assessments were carried out at 1, 6 and 12 months, using a PTG questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale. ANOVAs with post-hoc analysis were performed to identify significant differences between the groups. Results: Four groups were established based on the observed changes in PTG over time: high, increasing, decreasing and low PTG. Maintaining high PTG and decreasing PTG levels was associated with moderate levels of perceived stress. Conclusion: Four different patterns of PTG have been identified, contributing to our understanding of the dynamics of the process of growth and enabling us to identify patients who may be more vulnerable.