Assessment of stress level and prevalence of depression among haemodialyzed patients

Background
Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressive illness that requires long-term treatment. Frequent hospitalisation due to dialysis is a result of multiple stressors which contributes to depressive disorders.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the increase of stress and occurrence of depressive disorders among patients haemodialyzed regarding sociometric and medical data.

Material and methods
The study was carried out in a group of 102 patients with Chronic Kidney Disease who were subjected to haemodialysis in Koszalin, Poland. The study was conducted using the diagnostic poll method and standardised research tools: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Beck’s Depression Inventory.

Results
A positive correlation between an increase in stress and depression has been proven (r = 0.601). Depression has been much more frequent among patients with a greater increase in stress (p = 0.000). Data analysis indicates that among all the considered sociodemographic variables, only financial situation considerably contributes to an upsurge in anxiety (p = 0.001). It has been established that pain (p = 0.001) and self-sufficiency for daily activities (p = 0.007) are factors in an increase of the stress experienced. Additionally, it has been concluded that there is a statistically relevant relationship between patients’ gender and the prevalence of depression.

Conclusion
A majority of the patients treated with haemodialysis are characterised with mild depression and high levels of anxiety. Particular attention should be payed to patients with severe pain and low self-sufficiency, since they are more likely to experience stronger anxiety and more severe depression. An increased level of depression. Female, geriatric and financially troubled patients are susceptible to depression.