Relationship Between Dialysis Adequacy and Depression and Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients

Reihaneh shojaat; Hamid Salehiniya; Mahya Mojahedi; Vajehallah Raeisi

doi:10.18502/htaa.v8i1.15027

Reihaneh shojaat Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Hamid Salehiniya Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Mahya Mojahedi Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
Vajehallah Raeisi Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center. Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v8i1.15027

Keywords: Depression; Anxiety; Dialysis Adequacy; Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible condition that demands hemodialysis treatment until a kidney transplant is carried out. If dialysis is not sufficient, the patient might experience numerous physical and psychological consequences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between depression and anxiety and dialysis adequacy in patients receiving hemodialysis in Birjand, Iran.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment at Shahid Beheshti Hemodialysis Center in Birjand were examined. The state of depression and anxiety in them was evaluated according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the adequacy of the patients’ dialysis was extracted from their medical records. In this study, scores ≤ 11 on the HADS scale were considered healthy. Moreover, dialysis adequacy was calculated with the KT/V formula, and cases ≥ 1.2 were considered adequate. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 19 software, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results: The results showed that 18% and 82% of the participants had depression and anxiety, respectively. The patients’ depression and anxiety scores did not significantly correlate with the adequacy of dialysis (P = 0.82 and P = 0.86, respectively). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was not significantly influenced by gender or marriage; however, the results indicated that as patients aged, the prevalence of depression increased (P = 0.009) and anxiety decreased (P = 0.003).

Conclusions: The adequacy of dialysis in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment remains unaffected by mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Age has a significant impact on depression and anxiety levels in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. To reduce anxiety and depression in younger and older patients, it is recommended to initiate support and educational programs.