Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) enhances quality of life for end-stage renal disease patients but may be impacted by family function, social networks, and social phobia. This study examines the relationships among these factors in Chinese PD patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study included 259 PD patients from Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between December 2023 and April 2024. Participants completed questionnaires on family function (Family APGAR), social networks (LSNS-6), and social phobia (SASS-CS). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Structural Equation Modeling.
Results: Most patients had good family function. Social network scores positively correlated with family function (r = 0.46, P < 0.001). Family function negatively correlated with social phobia (r = –0.48, P < 0.05). Family function partially mediated the relationship between social networks and social phobia, accounting for 42.1% of the total effect.
Conclusion: Strong social networks are associated with better family function and reduced social phobia in PD patients. Enhancing social support and addressing social phobia can improve family dynamics and patient outcomes.