Social Isolation and Its Influencing Factors in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients: A Latent Profile Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explore latent profiles of social isolation in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients and to analyse the factors influencing different latent profiles.

Design

Multicentre cross-sectional study.

Methods

Between November 2024 to March 2025, 305 MHD patients from the haemodialysis centres of three hospitals in Henan Province, China, were recruited using a convenience sampling method. All participants completed the general information questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale 6 (LSNS-6), UCLA Loneliness Scale-6 (ULS-6) and Personal Mastery Scale. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to classify the participants into potential subgroups with different types of social isolation. The influencing factors of profiles were explored by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Social isolation of 305 patients can be divided into three profiles: the family-friend dual isolation group (14.10%), friend isolation-only group (47.54%), and social network well-being group (38.36%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that monthly personal income, living arrangement, social participation, dialysis time, post-dialysis fatigue, number of comorbidities, loneliness and personal mastery were identified as factors influencing the profiles.

Conclusions

There is heterogeneity in social isolation among MHD patients. It is therefore necessary to implement targeted intervention measures based on the distinct characteristics of each subgroup to facilitate their social reintegration.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Nurses should identify differences in social isolation among MHD patients. It is necessary to establish tripartite connections between families, hospitals and communities, and develop personalised psychosocial interventions to alleviate social isolation.

Implications

The study identified distinct subgroups of social isolation among MHD patients, while emphasising the impact of psychological resources such as loneliness and personal mastery on social isolation. This may offer critical insights for nurses to develop targeted interventions for patients' social health.

Reporting Method

The study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.