Unveiling interrelationships through structural equation modeling: family function, social networks, and social phobia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) enhances quality of life for end-stage renal disease patients, however, family function, social networks, and social phobia may significantly influence patient outcomes. This study explores the interrelationships among these factors in a Chinese population of PD patients, considering the socio-cultural context of Shenzhen as an immigrant city.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 259 PD patients from Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, recruited between December 2023 and April 2024. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing family function (Family APGAR), social networks (LSNS-6), and social phobia (SASS-CS). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine direct and indirect relationships among the variables.

Results: Most participants demonstrated moderate to high family function. Social network scores positively correlated with family function (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), while family function negatively correlated with social phobia (r = -0.48, P < 0.05). SEM revealed that family function partially mediated the relationship between social networks and social phobia, accounting for 42.1% of the total effect. Good model fit indices were observed (χ²(32) = 48.23, P = 0.042; RMSEA = 0.045; CFI = 0.978; TLI = 0.970).

Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of social networks in supporting family function and reducing social phobia in PD patients. Interventions aimed at strengthening social networks and addressing social phobia could improve family dynamics and patient outcomes.