Impact of anxiety and depression on the quality of life of haemodialysis patients

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of anxiety and depression on the quality of life (QOL) of haemodialysis patients.

Background: The growing number of people undergoing haemodialysis therapy on a global scale is becoming a universal concern. Although haemodialysis treatment is known to affect one's psychological well-being, the impact of depression and anxiety on one's QOL has not been well addressed.

Design: A correlational cross-sectional design.

Methods: A convenience sample of 114 patients who had been undergoing haemodialysis therapy participated in this study. The research methods used complied with the STROBE checklist. Data were collected using the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Survey-36 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The association between the KDQOL, anxiety and depression based on the characteristics of participants was investigated using an independent t test and one-way analysis of variance.

Results: The mean anxiety score of the participants was 7.7 ± 5.3, while the mean score for depression was 7.01 ± 4.2. Based on the cut-off points, 50% of the participants had anxiety, 44.7% depression. There were negative correlations between anxiety and QOL (r = -0.599, p < 0.001) and between depression and QOL (r = -.599, p < .001). The burden of the disease and physical component scores were mostly affected by both anxiety and depression.

Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are common symptoms among patients undergoing haemodialysis, and they have a negative impact on all domains of the QOL. Early detection and treatment of anxiety and depression may have a positive impact on disease outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice: The findings of the current study support the need to adopt effective strategies to improve screening for anxiety and depression. The detection of high physical symptom burden should draw attention to potential psychological issues.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; haemodialysis; nursing care; quality of life.