Frequency of Anxiety and Depression in Patients undergoing Hemodialysis in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objectives:

1. To determine the frequency of anxiety and depression among patients undergoing hemodialysis


2. To provide an association between anxiety and depression in dialysis patients and the socio-demographic factors

Materials and Methods:

A cross sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months at tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi. Data was collected through random sampling using purposive sampling technique from 358 hemodialysis patients. The data collection tool “Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale” comprised  14 questions seven each for assessing depression and anxiety. The collected data was analysed through SPSS version 26.

Results:

Anxiety and depression was common in HD patients with the prevalence of 34.3% and 38.7% respectively. Significant association was found between anxiety and gender  (P=0.083).Educational level was also  significantly associated with both depression (P = 0.016) and anxiety  (P = 0.018). No significant association was found with other sociodemographic factors, i.e age, marital status, type of family, occupation, and monthly income.

Conclusion:

Anxiety and depression are prevalent in Hemodialysis patients. These mental disorders need to be addressed by the physicians to improve quality of life of patients, to promote treatment adherence and to improve disease prognosis.