A survey of the quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis and its association with depression, anxiety and stress

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Hemodialysis patients face several physical and mental tension factors including depression, anxiety and stress, which could decrease their quality of life. This study aimed to identify the relationship between quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety and stress in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This descriptive, analytical study was conducted on 160 hemodialysis patients (80 male and 80 female) using convenience sampling at three hemodialysis centers in Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. Data collection was performed during three months using three questionnaires of demographic characteristics, DASS-21 and quality of life (SF-36). Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In this study, the mean age of patients was 50.8±12.81 years, and 88.8%, 92.5% and 85.6% of the subjects had severe depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a significant inverse correlation between the physical and mental domains of SF-36 questionnaire with depression (r=-0.38, r=-0.29), anxiety (r=-0.48, r=-0.45) and stress (r=-0.5, r=-0.57), respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, increased depression, anxiety and stress could reduce QOL in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, nurses and health care staff play a pivotal role in the identification and alleviation of these factors by using coping and support strategies to improve QOL in these patients.