Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between dispositional optimism and social support with somatic symptoms in a group of patients on hemodialysis.

Patients and Method:

We studied 80 patients on hemodialysis, with an average age of 65.20 ± 16.47 years (36.3% women and 63.7% men). A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Nephrology Service of the Reina Sofía Hospital in Córdoba. The LOT-R questionnaire for Dispositional Optimism and the Revised Somatic Symptoms Scale were used. Social Support and associated comorbidity were also analyzed.

Results:

The mean LOT-R was 21.19±5.04 and the median 21 (8-30). The median LOT-R was used to divide patients between pessimists (<21) and optimists (≥21). Although age and comorbidity were higher in the optimistic group, not being significant differences. Although optimists presented fewer symptoms than pessimists, there were no significant differences. Similarly, although patients with lower Social Support presented more symptoms, also without significant differences. When the Social Support of the optimists was compared with the pessimists, no differences were found. Statistical relationship of age was found with comorbidity and cardiovascular symptoms.

Conclusions:

At least in our sample, in hemodialysis patients, neither Dispositional Optimism nor Social Support seem to influence the appearance of somatic symptoms, nor does Social Support influences Dispositional Optimism. Women have more gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms than men. The older, the more associated comorbidity.