Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This multi-center study aimed to investigate the correlation between vascular access satisfaction (VAS) and demoralization syndrome (DS) in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Secondary objectives included identifying predictors of VAS and comparing DS severity between patients with high and low VAS scores. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted from April 2024 to October 2024, involving 350 elderly MHD patients from three tertiary hospitals in China. Participants were stratified into two groups based on VAS scores: the VA dissatisfaction group (n = 220) and the VA satisfaction group (n = 130). Data collection utilized the Short Form Vascular Access Questionnaire (VAQ) and the Chinese Version of the Demoralization Syndrome Scale. Binary logistic regression and independent t-tests were employed to analyze predictors of VAS and DS scores. RESULTS: Significant differences in VAS scores were observed between the dissatisfaction and satisfaction groups (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified living alone (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.2), prolonged dialysis duration (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0) as independent risk factors for VAS, while higher hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9) served as a protective factor. Notably, the dissatisfaction group exhibited markedly higher DS scores (73.6 ± 8.7 vs. 51.2 ± 6.9, p < 0.01), indicating a strong association between VAS and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: This study underscores a robust correlation between VAS and DS in elderly MHD patients. Interventions targeting social support optimization, anemia management, and mineral metabolism regulation may improve vascular access outcomes and mitigate demoralization, thereby enhancing quality of life. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.