The Psychosomatic Health of the Spouses of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract

Background According to numerous studies, living with a chronic patient relates to higher depression and impaired state of bio-psychological health. The patients with chronic kidney disease live as a 'psychosocial dyad” with their spouse. Obgectives The main objective of the present study was to investigate the bio-psychological impacts of living with a spouse suffering from a chronic kidney disease. Aims The evaluation of the real and perceived state of health of the spouses of patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods The current study took place at the Department of Nephrology of University Hospital of Ioannina. The sample consists of 45 subjects (34 women, 11 men). In addition to a semi structured interview, the questionnaires used were: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Anxiety Test Questionnaire (GAD-3), The Zarit Burden Interview Questionnaire, The Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ 5D), Other as Shamer Scale (OAS), a list of health problems and a questionnaire of social-demographic data. Results The spouses had a mean age of 62,02±11,78. Most spouses report a satisfactory state of health (72,9%), but generally they postpone their own medical exams or routine surgeries. Their perceived burden of care increases as their economic state worsens (p=.015) and the increased burden relates to worse self -report state of bio-psychological health is (p=.000). Conclusions The spouses of renal patients experience the impact of living with a life-threatening disease. An effective health care planning should contribute to their own welfare.