Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To understand the fear of disease progression in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and to explore its influencing factors, so as to provide a new theoretical basis for follow-up study. Methods A total of 172 MHD patients treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from November 2019 to February 2020 were selected by means of the convenience sampling method. Questionnaires, including the General Data Questionnaire, the Fear of Progression QuestionnairEshort form, and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory, were used. Results The overall score of fear of disease progression was 30.58±4.31 in the 172 MHD patients. The overall score of fear of disease progression and the two dimensions of physical health and social family were positively correlated with the attachment anxiety dimension of adult attachment (r=0.219, 0.185 and 0.152 respectively; P=0.004, 0.015 and 0.047 respectively), and were also positively correlated with the attachment avoidance (r=0.273, 0.197 and 0.222 respectively; P<0.001, 0.009 and 0.003 respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, primary caregivers, hobbies and two dimensions of adult attachment were the influencing factors for fear of disease progression (β=-0.224, 0.210, -0.249, 0.184, and 0.267 respectively; P=0.001, 0.003, 0.001,
0.011 and <0.001 respectively). Conclusion The degree of fear of disease progression in MHD patients was in a medium level. We should take appropriate measures based on the influencing factors to reduce the fear of disease progression and to promote the physical and mental health in MHD patients.

Key words: Hemodialysis, Fear of progression, Adult attachment, Influence factor