MO821: Quality of Life and Depression in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has certainly an impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Depression is, also, highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to evaluate HRQoL, the prevalence of depression, its associated factors, and its impact on quality of life in our population. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study including 70 hemodialysis patients in Monastir, Tunisia. Depression was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Quality of life was assessed with the Short-Form 36. Data were also collected on sociodemographic, laboratory (albumin, parathormone, hemoglobin and phosphorus) and dialysis (dialysis vintage, vascular access and hemodialysis adequacy) characteristics. The analysis was performed with descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS Among 70 patients, 64.3% were men. The mean age was 49 ± 15.7 years old. High blood pressure, diabetes and dyslipidemia were the most common comorbidities. Low drug adherence was frequent. The global average score according to the SF-36 was 38.2. The QOL was impaired in 64.2% of the cases. We have identified five variables correlated with impaired QOL: lack of autonomy, a dialysis rhythm of 3 times a week, an age >60 years, low social economic level and living in rural areas. Depression was present in 14.2% of the sample. Depressed patients presented poor quality of life, lower serum albumin and higher parathormone levels. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the high frequency of QOL impairment in patients on hemodialysis. Actions aimed at changing some factors associated with reduced QOL can promote well-being.