KiPsy Lab — Kidney & Psychosocial Research Lab
Publications

Publications

Articles, book chapters, reports and guidelines from the laboratory.

Scientific articles published in international peer reviewed journals with impact factor

2025

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Bártolo, A., Rodrigues, M., Costa, E., Quental, J., Ribeiro, F., Paúl, C., & Figueiredo, D. (2025). Clinical Relevance of an Online Self-Management Intervention in Haemodialysis: A Secondary Data Analysis of the 'Connected We St@nd' Programme. Journal of Renal Care, 51(1), e70012. https://doi.org/10.1111/jorc.70012.
  2. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Figueiredo, D. (2025). Strengthening Renal Psychology in Portuguese Dialysis Centres: The Implementation of Evidence Informed Psychological Practices. (2025). Portuguese Kidney Journal, 39(2), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.71749/pkj.83

2024

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2024). Purpose in life among hemodialysis caregivers: Links with adaptive coping, caregiver burden, and psychological distress. Stress and Health, 40(5), e3460. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3460.
  2. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2024). The Hemodialysis Distress Thermometer for Caregivers (HD-DT-C): Development and testing of the psychometric properties of a new tool for screening psychological distress among family caregivers of adults on hemodialysis. Quality of Life Research, 33(6), 1513–1526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03627-x.
  3. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2024). Development process, clinical utility, and preliminary psychometric evidence of a new tool for screening psychological distress in renal care settings: the Hemodialysis Distress Thermometer (HD-DT). Psychology & Health, 1–27. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2024.2347662.
  4. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Bártolo, A., Costa, E., Ribeiro, F., Rodrigues, M., Paúl, C., & Figueiredo, D. (2024). The Connected We St@nd program: A feasibility pilot study of an online self-management intervention for adults on in-center hemodialysis and family caregivers. British Journal of Health Psychology, 29(3), 589–608. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12715.
  5. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Aleixo, B., Christensen, A. J., & Figueiredo, D. (2024). Evaluating the psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures for assessing symptoms in hemodialysis: A systematic review using COSMIN guidelines. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 67(1), e34–e57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.09.016.

2023

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Christensen, A. J., & Figueiredo, D. (2023). Mapping patients' perceived facilitators and barriers to in-center hemodialysis attendance to the Health Belief Model: Insights from a qualitative study. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(1). 97-107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-022-10075-9.
  2. Oliveira, J., Sousa, H., Bártolo, A., Figueiredo, D., & Ribeiro, O. (2023). Illness perception and treatment adherence in hemodialysis: A systematic review. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 28(7), 1641–1655. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2022.2099559.
  3. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Christensen, A. J., & Figueiredo, D. (2023). Designing family-based interventions in kidney failure: The perspectives of the triad 'patients on hemodialysis/family caregivers/healthcare professionals'. British Journal of Health Psychology, 28(3), 672–689. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12647.

2022

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Christensen, A.J., & Figueiredo, D. (2022). Caring for parents with end-stage renal disease: What do adult children face and how do they cope?. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(23-24), 3454–3463. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16172.
  2. Sousa, H., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, O., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Amado, L., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., & Figueiredo, D. (2022). Caring for patients with end-stage renal disease during COVID-19 lockdown: What (additional) challenges to family caregivers?. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 36(1), 215–224. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12980.
  3. Bártolo, A., Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2022). Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on the burden and quality of life of informal caregivers of hemodialysis patients: A systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(26), 8176–8187. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.2013961.
  4. Sousa, H., Bártolo, A., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D., (2022). A family-centered perspective on the arteriovenous fistula in end-stage renal disease: Findings from dyadic interviews. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 36(2), 426–438. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.13055.
  5. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Costa, E., Christensen, A. J., & Figueiredo, D. (2022). Establishing the criterion validity of self-report measures of adherence in hemodialysis through associations with clinical biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 17(10): e0276163. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276163.

2021

  1. Frontini, R., – Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2021). "What do we fear the most?": Exploring fears and concerns of patients, family members and dyads in end-stage renal disease. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 35(4), 1216–1225. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12940.
  2. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Costa, E., Frontini, R., Paúl, C., Amado, L., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., & Figueiredo, D. (2021). Being on hemodialysis during the COVID-19 outbreak: A mixed-methods' study exploring the impacts on dialysis adequacy, analytical data, and patients' experiences. Seminars in Dialysis, 34(1), 66–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/sdi.12914.
  3. Bündchen, D., – Sousa, H., Afreixo, V., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, O., Figueiredo, D., & Costa, E. (2021). Intradialytic exercise in end-stage renal disease: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and/or meta-analytical studies. Clinical Rehabilitation, 35(6), 812–828. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215520986784.
  4. Sousa, H., Oliveira, J., Figueiredo, D., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). The clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer in non-oncological contexts: A scoping review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(15-16), 2131–2150. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15698.
  5. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Afreixo, V., Costa, E., Paúl, C., Ribeiro, F., Figueiredo, D. (2021). 'Should WE stand together?': A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of family-based interventions for adults with chronic physical diseases. Family Process, 60(4), 1098–1116. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12707.
  6. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2021). End-stage renal disease is not yours, is not mine, is OURS: Exploring couples lived experiences through dyadic interviews. Hemodialysis International, 25(3), 361-371. https://doi.org/10.1111/hdi.12929.
  7. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Frontini, R., Miranda, V., Oliveira, J., Ribeiro, F., & Figueiredo, D. (2021). "Together We Stand": A pilot study exploring the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a family-based psychoeducational intervention for patients on hemodialysis and their family caregivers. Healthcare, 9(11), 1585-1599. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111585.

2019

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., & Figueiredo, D. (2019). Social support and treatment adherence in patients with end-stage renal disease: A systematic review. Seminars in Dialysis, 32(6), 562–574. https://doi.org/10.1111/sdi.12831. SCImago/Scopus© SJR 2019: 1.99/Q1; ISI JCR® Impact factor (2019): 3.5/Q1. Citations: 55

Abstracts published in international journals with impact factor

2025

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2025). Should purpose in life be a target in renal psychology interventions for family caregivers? Kidney International Reports, 10(2), S84-S85. Kidney International Reports, 8(3): S368-S369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.02.832.
  2. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2025). Steps taken to guide the development of evidence-informed renal psychology interventions in Portuguese nephrology centers? Kidney International Reports, 10(2), S84-S85. Kidney International Reports, 8(3): S85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.02.832.

2023

  1. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Costa, E., Ribeiro, F., Paúl, C., Ribeiro, O. (2023). Challenges perceived by adults undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: Insights from a qualitative study to inform the design of self-management interventions in renal care settings. Kidney International Reports, 8(3): S369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.02.833.
  2. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Rodrigues, M., Ribeiro, F., Ribeiro, O. (2023). Supporting the 'Connected We St@nd' experience: Steps taken to inform the development of an online self-management intervention for adults on hemodialysis and family caregivers. Kidney International Reports, 8(3): S368-S369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.02.832.
  3. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Paúl, C., Bartolo, A., Costa, E., Rodrigues, M., Ribeiro, F., Ribeiro, O. (2023). 'Connected We St@nd': Preliminary effects of an online couple-based intervention for adults on hemodialysis and their spouses. Kidney International Reports, 8(3): S368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.02.831.
  4. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Rodrigues, M., Ribeiro, F., Ribeiro, O. (2023). 'Getting Connected': Motivations to enroll in an online self-management group intervention for adults on hemodialysis and family caregivers. Kidney International Reports, 8(3): S369-370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.02.834.

2022

  1. Figueiredo, D., Silva, D., Sousa, H., Bartolo, A., & Ribeiro, O. (2022). Quality of life of family caregivers of patients undergoing in-center hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic: Preliminary results. Kidney International Reports, 7(2): S388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.935.
  2. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Bartolo, A., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., Ribeiro, O. (2022). Perceived barriers and facilitators of adherence to hemodialysis dietary and fluid restrictions: Insights from a qualitative study. Kidney International Reports, 7(2): S246-S247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.602.
  3. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Bartolo, A., Oliveira, J., Rodrigues, M., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., Ribeiro, O. (2022). "#Looking_to_Stay_Connected": Characteristics of patients with ESRD and family caregivers who signed up for an online intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kidney International Reports, 7(2): S246-S247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.977.
  4. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Bartolo, A., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., Ribeiro, O. (2022). Is there a 'Silver Lining' in ESRD?: A mixed-methods study exploring the perspective of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Kidney International Reports, 7(2): S246-S247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.770.
  5. Figueiredo, D., Bartolo, A., Sousa, H., Rodrigues, M., Ribeiro, O. (2022). Effectiveness of ICT-based interventions for promoting medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review. Kidney International Reports, 7(2): S246-S247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.803.

2021

  1. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Frontini, R., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). "The secret questions in a box": What do patients and families really want to know about end-stage renal disease?. Kidney International Reports, 6(4):S345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.803.
  2. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Bundchen, D., Ribeiro, O., & Costa, E. (2021). Are there "hidden" benefits of intradialytic exercise? A meta-analytical study of its psychosocial effects for patients with end-stage renal disease. Kidney International Reports, 6(4): S225-S226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.547.
  3. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Amado, L., Miranda, V., Costa, E., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, F., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). Undergoing hemodialysis during COVID-19 lockdown: Exploring patients' and family caregivers' experiences. Kidney International Reports, 6(4): S344-S345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.826.
  4. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). "Hopes & fears": Opposite sides of the same coin while waiting for renal transplantation?. Kidney International Reports, 6(4): S345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.827.
  5. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). "Are you listening to our concerns?": Exploring the dyadic perspective of couples dealing with end-stage renal disease. Kidney International Reports, 6(4): S346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.830.
  6. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). "My parent has end-stage renal disease": Exploring the unmet needs of adult children caring for their parents on hemodialysis. Kidney International Reports, 6(4): S345-S346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.829.

2020

  1. Figueiredo, D., Frontini, R., Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., & Ribeiro, F. (2020). "How do I get information about my end-stage renal disease?": Orientations for the development of health literacy interventions. Kidney International Reports, 5(3), S198–S199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2020.02.506.
  2. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, F., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., & Ribeiro, O., & (2020). "Living with our own fistula": A family-based perspective about the impacts of vascular access in end-stage renal disease. Kidney International Reports, 5(3), S104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2020.02.258.
  3. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Frontini, R., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F. (2020). "In OUR own terms": Dyads expectations about a family-based self-management intervention in end-stage renal disease. Kidney International Reports, 5(3), S198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2020.02.505.
  4. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Ribeiro, F., Paúl, C., Costa, F., Frotini, R., Miranda, V., & Ribeiro, O., (2020). "What do we need the most?" Exploring the unmet needs of couples coping with end stage renal disease. Kidney International Reports, 5(3), S127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2020.02.321.

Abstracts published in international journals without impact factor (including Book of Abstracts)

2024

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2024). Unravelling the pathways between purpose in life and depression among hemodialysis caregivers. Book of abstracts of the 38 Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (p. 626). https://2024.ehps.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ehps-2024_abstracts-Page-numbers.pdf

2022

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Christensen, A., & Figueiredo, D. (2022). Purpose in life and caregiver burden in kidney failure: Preliminary results from a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Journal of Statistics on Health Decision, 4(1), 10-13. https://doi.org/10.34624/jshd.v4i1.28552

2021

  1. Amado, L., Sousa, H., Miranda, V., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, F., Peralta, R., Matos, F., … Figueiredo, D. (2021). Working while on dialysis: Exploring unmet needs of active workers with end-stage renal disease [Conference Presentation]. Book of abstracts of the 2021 Spring Virtual Seminar of the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA; pp. 21-22). https://www.edtnaerca.org/resource/edtna/files/2021-spring-seminar/EDTNAERCA%20Spring%20Virtual%20Seminar_%20Abstract%20Book.pdf

2020

  1. Sousa, H., Afreixo, V., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, F., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2020). "No matter what I do, it matters how WE feel": Exploring the associations between patients' and family members' psychological distress and treatment adherence in end-stage renal disease. Journal of Statistical on Health Decision, 2(2), 34-35. https://doi.org/10.34624/jshd.v2i2.19545
  2. Sousa, H., Afreixo, V., Frontini, R., Ribeiro, F., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2020). "Together WE can make it better": Should family-based interventions be considered to promote health-related quality of life of patients with chronic physical conditions? Journal of Statistical on Health Decision, 2(2), 36-37. https://doi.org/10.34624/jshd.v2i2.19548

Abstracts published in national journals without impact factor

2025

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2025). Strengthening Renal Psychology in Portuguese Dialysis Centres: The Implementation of Evidence‑Informed Psychological Practices. Portuguese Kidney Journal, 39(2), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.71749/pkj.83

2022

  1. Sousa, H., Aleixo, B., Figueiredo, D., Ribeiro, O. (2022). Juntos_na_Doença_Renal: Content popularity of a Facebook page designed to Support CKD patients. Revista Psicologia, Saúde & Doenças, 23 (S1), 203. Available at https://ijp.upt.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/livro-de-resumos-pag-185.pdf
  2. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Figueiredo, D. (2022). Self-management challenges perceived by patients on hemodialysis: Insights from a qualitative study to inform the design of health psychology interventions. The Psychologist: Practice & Research, 5(2), S151. Available at https://www.ordemdospsicologos.pt/ficheiros/documentos/supplement_2022_abstracts.pdf
  3. Sousa, H., Figueiredo, D., Ribeiro, O., & Christensen, A.J. (2022). Supporting the WE-Disease experience in kidney failure: Steps taken to inform the design of family-based interventions in renal care. In A. Silva, A. Teixeira, & Campos A.G. (Eds)., Book of abstracts of the Research Summit 2022 (p. 604). Universidade de Aveiro. https://doi.org/10.48528/6dz9-d129
  4. Aleixo, B., Sousa, H., Figueiredo, D., Ribeiro, O. (2022). #Together_WE_Stand_In_Kidney_C@re: Using social media to help raise chronic kidney disease awareness. The Psychologist: Practice & Research, 5(2), S150. Available at https://www.ordemdospsicologos.pt/ficheiros/documentos/supplement_2022_abstracts.pdf

2021

  1. Oliveira, J., Sousa, H., Bártolo, A., Figueiredo, D., & Ribeiro, O. (2021). "What WE think, matters!" Exploring the Acceptability of an Online Assessment Protocol in End-Stage Renal Disease. Revista de Investigação & Inovação em Saúde, 1, 12. https://www.academia.edu/94149456/_What_we_think_matters_Acceptability_of_an_Online_Assessment_Renal_Disease?uc-sb-sw=108995583

Articles published in national journals without impact factor (including Book of Abstracts)

  1. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2025). Screening for psychological distress in nephrology: The hemodialysis distress thermometers. Research@UA, 15, 41. https://proa.ua.pt/index.php/researchua/en/article/view/41692/26713
  2. Figueiredo, D., Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Paúl, C., & Bártolo, A. (2022). Standing together in the face of COVID-19: The experiences of the kidney failure triad – patients, family, and healthcare professionals – during the pandemic. Research@UA. https://proa.ua.pt/index.php/researchua/article/view/31579
  3. Sousa, H., & Bártolo, A. (2021). A importância do psicólogo na reabilitação renal [Artigo de opinião]. Newsletter Promoting Health, Well-Being and Quality of Life. https://www.facebook.com/TwS.renal/photos/pb.100064507101948.-2207520000/294497299104733/?type=3&locale=pt_PT
  4. Figueiredo, D., & Sousa, H. (2020). Social support & ESRD treatment adherence. Physician's Weekly. https://www.physiciansweekly.com/social-support-esrd-treatment-adherence/

Oral communications

  1. Figueiredo, D. (2026, March 26). A hemodiálise como desafio familiar. Um modelo digital de intervenção em autogestão. [Oral presentation]. I Encontro Multidisciplinar Brasileiro em Nefrologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil.
  2. Sousa, H. (2025, March 27). The role of clinical health psychologist in the preparation for kidney transplantation [Oral presentation]. Reunião do Conselho Regional de Psicologia de Minas Gerais (CRP-MG), Minas Gerais, Brazil.
  3. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2024, April). Unravelling the pathways between purpose in life and depression among hemodialysis caregivers [Oral presentation]. 38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS), Cascais, Portugal.
  4. Sousa, H., Figueiredo, D., Ribeiro, O., & Christensen, A. J. (2022). Supporting the WE-Disease experience in kidney failure: Steps taken to inform the design of family-based interventions in renal care [Oral presentation]. Research Summit UA 2022, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
  5. Oliveira, J., Sousa, H., Bártolo, A., Figueiredo, D., & Ribeiro, O. (2021, April 8). "What WE think, matters!" Exploring the acceptability of an online assessment protocol in end-stage renal disease [Oral presentation]. V International Conference of Health Research.
  6. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., & Figueiredo, D. (2021). WE-Disease: Promoting psychosocial adjustment and treatment adherence through a family-based intervention [Oral presentation]. Research Summit UA 2021, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
  7. Sousa, H., Ribeiro, O., Paúl, C., Costa, E., Miranda, V., Ribeiro, F., & Figueiredo, D. (2019, September 29). What do WE know about the arteriovenous fistula?: A family-centred perspective on the care of vascular access in end-stage renal disease [Oral presentation]. I International Congress on Vascular Access, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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