ASSESSMENT OF DEPRESSION AMONG PATIENT ON HEMODIALYSIS

Background: Dialysis is a lifesaving procedure opted in end stage renal disease patients. Depression is one of the most impeding complications associated with the hemodialysis the sequele of which sometimes leads to non-compliance and increases the morbidity and mortality of renal patients due to socioeconomic factors. This study was designed with the motive to assess the depression among the patients on hemodialysis. Methods: This is an observational study among 100 admitted patients undergoing hemodialysis at District Headquarters Hospital Khushab.  After seeking informed consent, the respondents were requested to complete Beck Depression Inventory consisting of 21-question MCQs. Descriptive statistics were applied to compute the responses. Results: The study population showed depression of mild (32%), borderline (14%), moderate (18%), severe (7%) and extreme (5%) grade and the remaining (24%) subjects did not show depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis were depressed. Major risk factors for depression were marital status of the patients, low literacy rate, gender and those started on dialysis recently.

Keywords: Beck’s depression inventory, chronic kidney disease, depression, hemodialysis