Fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality in patients undergoing haemodialysis

Zakariya Al Naamani,Mohammed Al Maqbali,Helen Noble,Kevin Gormley,Olinda Santin

doi:10.1186/s12882-021-02349-3

Abstract

ObjectivePatients undergoing haemodialysis may experience troubling symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality, which may affect their quality of life. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality among patients receiving haemodialysis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to explore the contributing predictors.MethodsA cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design using Qualtrics software was performed. Data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the predictors that were associated with fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality.ResultsOf the 123 patients undergoing haemodialysis who participated, 53.7% (n = 66) reported fatigue, 43.9% (n = 54) reported anxiety, 33.3% (n = 41) reported depression and 56.9% (n = 70) reported poor sleep. Fatigue, anxiety and sleep quality (P < .05) were significantly associated with being female, and whether family members or relatives were suspected or confirmed with COVID-19. Logistic regression showed that being within the age group 31–40, having a secondary education level, anxiety, depression and sleep quality were the main predictors affecting the fatigue group.ConclusionFatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality are significant problems for patients receiving haemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate interventions to monitor and reduce fatigue, psychological problems and sleep quality amongst these patients are needed. This can help to strengthen preparations for responding to possible future outbreaks or pandemics of infectious diseases for patients receiving haemodialysis.

Highlights

In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered a major challenge to healthcare systems worldwide
There were no differences in reporting fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality
The present study indicates that female patients having haemodialysis had the highest levels of fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep quality

Summary

Introduction

In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered a major challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. COVID-19 caused a significant and serious threat to people, especially those with underlying comorbidities such as patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Patients with ESKD receiving in-centre haemodialysis are highly susceptible to COVID-19 infection because the haemodialysis environment is a high risk area during. Al Naamani et al BMC Nephrology (2021) 22:157 the virus outbreak and patients’ immunity is compromised due to the disease process [2]. These patients normally receive regular haemodialysis treatment, three times a week, in overcrowded and congested halls, mixed with various age groups from different backgrounds, making it difficult to adhere to all COVID-19 protection guidelines, especially the application of isolation and social distancing. In a single center in Italy where 55 haemodialysis patients were infected with COVID-19, thirteen patients (52%) died [5]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion