This was a cross-sectional analytical study on the levels of anxiety and disengagement coping among ESRD patients undergoing dialysis in level 2 hemodialysis units in Zamboanga City. Data from the research aimed to provide a picture of the emotional state of the patient in relation to their coping strategy. The respondents were all clinically diagnosed ESRD patients; who have met the criteria, in level 2 hemodialysis units in Zamboanga. Data was drawn using a researcher administered questionnaire adopted from the DASS-21 and CSI-SF. Results showed a number of participants having signs of mild (13%),moderate (14%) and even severe anxiety (3%). Greater levels of anxiety were seen among middle adult (32%), low wage earners (33%) and those undergoing dialysis treatments for more than 4 years (54%). Chi-square test, however failed to show a significant level. The most widely used disengagement coping is wishful thinking (60%) followed by problem avoidance (29%), self-criticism (9%) and social withdrawal (2%). Problem avoidance was more commonly used among late adults and those under treatment for more than 5 years, whereas wishful thinking remained to be the most common with the rest. This difference in the type of disengagement coping used with different age groups (p=0.032) and duration illness (p=0.049) was statistically significant. More than a quarter of the ESRD population still experienced anxiety. These figures were said to be more than what were expected even for a population experiencing tremendous amount of stress. Further, the two disengagement coping mostly used by the participants were associated with higher levels of anxiety. This percentage of ESRD patients with different forms of anxiety and its use of a destructive disengagement coping warrants further treatment from professional institutions.

Keyword: Anxiety and Disengagement End Stage Renal Disease Level 2 Hemodialysis