Prevalence of depression in hemodialysis patients and associated risk factors

A single-center observational study in Mexico.

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is the leading mental health problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Its prevalence has been estimated to range from 25% to 50%, depending on the scale used. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression in Mexican HD patients using three different scales and the risk factors associated with its development.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, analytical design was conducted on hemodialysis in Mexican adults with CKD. Patients were administered the BDI, CES-D, and PQH-9 depression questionnaires.

Results: A total of 210 patients were included. The overall prevalence of depression was 64.7%. The BDI scale was 49% (mild 24.8%, moderate 14.8%, and severe 9.4%), the CES-D scale was 54.8%, and the PQH-9 was 28.1%. In the BDI and CES-D questionnaires, female sex was observed as a risk factor for depression (OR=2.410, 95% CI 1.365-4.265, p=0.002 and OR=1.995, 95% CI 1.019-3.899, p=0.044, respectively); in the BDI and PQH-9, a stronger association with heart disease was observed (OR=6.72, 95% CI 1.179-38.365, p=0.032 and OR=5.858, 95% CI 1.667-20.608, p=0.006, respectively).

Conclusions: Depression and lack of treatment affect the quality of life of HD patients. The prevalence of depression was 64.7% using the three scales, finding female sex and the presence of some heart disease as risk factors for the development of depression.