Prevalence of depression and anxiety in end-stage renal disease: A survey of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis is a lifelong treatment required by end stage renal disease patients who are not able to undergo renal transplantation. Dialysis impacts the patients' quality of life drastically, increasing the risk of mortality. Depression and anxiety are commonly reported among dialysis patients, but their prevalence and correlates vary by sociocultural context.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and associated factors among patients receiving hemodialysis at a major tertiary referral medical center in Lebanon that receives patients from all over the country.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used.

METHODS: Ninety patients receiving hemodialysis were targeted using convenience sampling, with a final sample size of 83 patients. The patients were interviewed while undergoing their dialysis session using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and asked demographic and clinical questions.

RESULTS: The majority of participants were married men over 60 years of age; 48% achieved high school education. Depression was prevalent in 40.8% and anxiety in 39.6%, with 20 patients (24.1%) having both conditions. Although 24.1% self-reported anxiety symptoms, only 2.4% were taking anxiolytics. Illiterate patients had significantly higher depression scores than those with higher levels of education (p = 0.021). Patients who were living with their family had higher anxiety scores than those living alone (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression are underdiagnosed and undertreated in Lebanese dialysis patients. Screening and appropriate referral to mental health specialists are needed.