Supportive Care Needs and Associated Factors in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) presents significant challenges for patients undergoing hemodialysis, characterized by high morbidity and complex care needs. This study aimed to systematically assess the supportive care needs of hemodialysis patients and analyze the associated influencing factors to provide a scientific basis for developing a precise nursing intervention system aimed at improving long-term prognosis and quality of life. Methods A total of 550 hemodialysis patients were recruited from the First People’s Hospital of Changzhou from December 2024 to March 2025, with 502 valid questionnaires collected using a convenience sampling method. The research utilized a demographic questionnaire, the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS), and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, with a focus on descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-tests, and multiple linear regression to identify factors impacting supportive care needs. Results The results indicated that the overall supportive care needs score was 109.64 ± 31.92, reflecting a moderately high level, with significant needs identified in practical support and information-related areas. Factors such as marital status, economic burden, access route type, primary disease, and duration of dialysis significantly influenced these needs. Conclusions The study concludes that hemodialysis patients exhibit a moderate to high level of supportive care needs, particularly regarding practical and informational demands. Future clinical practice should focus on constructing a phased precision intervention system that targets distinct stages of dialysis, emphasizing economic assistance, treatment guidance, and comprehensive support to transition from “disease management” to “holistic care,” thereby enhancing patient quality of life and treatment adherence. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the dynamic changes in supportive care needs over time.