Abstract
Introduction: End stage kidney disease (ESKD) causes clinical manifestations that may alter the quality of life of patients. Depression is a frequent psychological problem in these patients.
Objectives: We assessed the influence of some demographic factors in the severity of depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients.
Methods: A observational, cross-sectional study in the nephrology unit of the main internal medicine reference hospital in the Dominican Republic. Data was collected using a structured, paper-based questionnaire that included some sociodemographic variables and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Screening Index (CES-D) scale. Data was then transferred to the Epi Info 7.2 software, where it was analyzed using means, frequencies, pooled T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: 81 hemodialysis patients were recruited, with a mean age of 51 (SD=14.35), of whom 56 (69.14%) were male. 41.77% of the population have a high risk for clinical depression (CESD ≥ 16). We found no association with the variables of age, hemodialysis vintage, partnership and physical activity. We found an association of the severity of depressive symptoms and the female sex (Females: 18.67 +/- 11.85, Males: 13.18 +/- 9.68, p=0.03). Also there is a mild negative correlation (r=-0.34, p=0.0018) with the monthly household income.
Conclusion: Characterizing the factors associated with depression in hemodialysis patients is important as they may vary across countries. Knowledge of these factors may help improve earlier detection and management of depression, and improve patient’s outcomes.
