Latent profile analysis of stigma subtypes in maintenance hemodialysis patients and their relationship with demoralization

LI Yurong; YANG Yaoyao; LIANG Shiman

doi:10.12104/j.issn.1674-4748.2025.10.001

Abstract：Objective:To identify the potential categories of stigma in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients,analyze the distribution characteristics of different categories,and explore its relationship with demoralization.Methods:A convenience sample of 301 MHD patients was assessed using the general information questionnaire,Demoralization Scale Mandarin Version(DS-MV),Social Impact Scale(SIS),Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),and Self-Compassion Scale(SCS).Latent profile analysis(LPA)was employed to classify stigma subtypes.Distributional differences among subtypes were compared using chi-square tests or one-way ANOVA.Multinomial Logistic regression analyzed predictors of stigma subtypes,and mixed-effects regression models examined associations between subtypes and demoralization.Results:Three latent stigma subtypes were identified,low-stigma(17.3%),moderate-stigma(59.8%),and high-stigma(22.9%).Financial burden,number of comorbidities,family support,and self-compassion scores were significant predictors of stigma subtypes(P<0.05).Demoralization scores differed significantly across subtypes(P<0.001).Conclusions:Patients with MHD have heterogeneous stigma characteristics and can be divided into high,medium and low stigma groups.Financial burden,number of comorbidities,family support,and self-compassion scores are important predictors of the category of stigma,and the psychological distress of patients in different categories shows different characteristics.Clinically,targeted interventions should be implemented based on category characteristics to enhance the efficacy of stigma management,alleviate demoralization,and improve the mental health and quality of life of MHD patients.