Chronic Kidney Disease and Psychological Adjustment: A Clinical Study in Bhagalpur

The present study, titled “Chronic Kidney Disease and Psychological Adjustment: A Clinical Study in Bhagalpur”, investigated the psychological distress, coping strategies, stigma perception, social support, and treatment adherence among patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A total of 114 participants aged between 18 and 65 years were randomly selected from hospitals, dialysis centers, and community organizations in Bhagalpur. Standardized tools including the GHQ-28, Brief COPE Inventory, and Psychological Adjustment Scale were administered through structured in-person and online interviews. Descriptive statistics were computed to establish baseline psychological profiles, while independent-samples t-tests were performed to examine differences across gender, residential background, and treatment status. The findings indicated clinically significant levels of psychological distress across the sample, alongside a balanced but mixed use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Avoidant coping and stigma perception were also evident, though strong family support appeared to buffer psychosocial strain. The t-test analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between male and female patients in distress levels or coping responses, underscoring the equalizing psychological burden of CKD. The study highlights the necessity of integrating psychosocial interventions, such as counseling, resilience training, and stigma-reduction programs, within nephrology care. Broader implications extend to tuberculosis (TB) management programs in India, where similar challenges of distress, stigma, and adherence have been documented, underscoring the need for holistic patient-centered approaches.