The effects of emotional intelligence training on anxiety in hemodialysis patients

Background and Hemodialysis is the most efficient treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which increases patients’ life expectancy. However, it can cause various adverse physical and mental side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of emotional intelligence training on anxiety of hemodialysis patients in Khorramabad, Iran. This experimental study was conducted on 74 patients admitted to the hemodialysis ward of Khorramabad hospitals during 2014. The patients were randomized into experimental and control groups. Emotional intelligence training was provided to the experimental group by trained and skilled researchers during two months, within eight sessions. The data collection tools included demographic profile checklist, Spielberger's anxiety questionnaire and emotional quotient inventory (EQ-i), which was filled out by the researcher's assistant throughout the interviews before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed performing covariance analysis, Chi-squared as well as independent and paired t-test, using SPSS 19. Before the intervention, independent t-test indicated no significant differences in the emotional intelligence scores of the two groups, but after the intervention, this score increased in the experimental group (P=0.01). The mean state-trait anxiety was not significantly different in the two groups before the intervention. Whereas after the intervention, a significant decrease in the anxiety scores of the experimental group was observed (P<0.001). Emotional intelligence training alleviated the anxiety of hemodialysis patients; therefore, implementing emotional intelligence training is recommended for lowering anxiety in hemodialysis patients.