Motivational psychological nursing reduces anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatic and immunological diseases combined with nephropathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of rheumatological and immunological diseases with nephropathy presents considerable clinical challenges. These challenges often result in heightened anxiety and depression, which detrimentally affect patient outcomes. Motivational psychological nursing, which incorporates motivational interview and cognitive-behavioral therapy, may offer a promising approach to address these psychological concerns.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of motivational psychological nursing in the reduction of anxiety and depression and improvement of the quality of life of patients with rheumatological and immunological diseases complicated by nephropathy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 206 patients with rheumatological and immunological diseases complicated by nephropathy and who were treated between January 2021 and January 2025. The inclusion criteria were as follows: Aged 18-75 years, met the diagnostic criteria for rheumatological and immunological diseases with a renal biopsy classification above type II, hospitalized in our facility, received consistent basic nursing care, and had complete clinical data available. Participants allotted to the observation group (n = 102) receiving motivational psychological nursing, and those in the control group (n = 104) received standard care. Psychological status was assessed using Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and other standardized measures. Intervention lasted throughout hospitalization, with follow-up assessments conducted before discharge.

RESULTS

Pre-intervention, anxiety, and depression scores were similar across groups. Postintervention, the observation group showed significant reductions in anxiety (SAS: 44.53 ± 6.72 vs 46.79 ± 6.94; P = 0.018) and depression (SDS: 45.20 ± 5.07 vs 46.97 ± 5.25; P = 0.014) compared with the control group. General self-efficacy (P = 0.044), health-related quality of life (P = 0.044), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (P = 0.040) scores also revealed significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

Motivational psychological nursing considerably reduces anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatological and immunological diseases complicated by nephropathy, which enhances the overall quality of life.

Keywords: Motivational psychological nursing; Rheumatological diseases; Immunological diseases; Nephropathy; Anxiety reduction; Depression management

Core Tip: This study investigates the impact of motivational psychological nursing on anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatological and immunological diseases complicated by nephropathy. By integrating motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, our findings demonstrate significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores, alongside improvements in self-efficacy and quality of life, highlighting a promising therapeutic approach for this complex patient group.