Adjustment and wellbeing among people with end-stage chronic kidney disease receiving in-centre haemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Many people with end-stage chronic kidney disease continued attending clinical centres for dialysis despite the risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe disease. Aims: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on patients' adjustment and wellbeing. Methods: Some 40 people (18 female, 22 male) receiving in-centre haemodialysis reported COVID-19-related adverse impacts on treatment and rated their COVID-19-related concerns, then completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and four scales of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form. Findings: The most common adverse impacts were staff shortages/changes and impaired interaction with staff/patients. Of the sample, 32.4% were severely depressed, 14.7% severely anxious and 18.9% severely stressed. Participants who had tested positive for COVID-19 were more depressed and reported more adverse impacts. Older and married/cohabiting participants had better adjustment and wellbeing. Conclusions: The results help to identify patients with the greatest needs and suggest ways to maintain patient wellbeing during outbreaks of infectious disease.