Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients and Their Caregivers: A Dyadic Analysis¹

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the effect of depressive and anxiety symptoms on physical and psychological quality of life (QOL) in end‐stage renal disease patient‐family caregiver dyads using the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model. This was a descriptive cross‐sectional study. Dyads' (N = 120) symptoms of anxiety and depression and QOL were assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the World Health Organization (WHO)QOL‐BREF, respectively. The depression scores were higher (worse) in patients than in caregivers (8.74 ± 5.23 vs. 6.9 ± 3.9, t[df 119] = 3.339, p = .001). Patients had lower (worse) scores on the physical domain of QOL than the caregivers (47.37 ± 22.9 vs. 64.1 ± 17.49, t[df 119] = −7.165, p < .001). Anxiety and depressive symptoms exhibited actor effects on the physical and psychological QOL of the dyad. Only depressive symptoms in caregivers exhibited a partner effect on the psychological domain of QOL in patients (β = −.745, p < .05). In conclusion, anxiety and depressive symptoms in both patients and caretakers are equally crucial in end‐stage renal disease management.

The effects of psychosocial and economic factors on the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease and their caregivers in Klang Valley, Malaysia: protocol for a mixed-methods study

“…Gerogianni et al 15 stated that caregivers have higher levels of anxiety and depression when dialysis patients under their care have high levels of anxiety and depression. In line with this study, past studies also reported that caregivers of HD patients have deteriorated psychological well-being compared with caregivers of PD or kidney transplant patients,16 17 so patients under HD treatment were perceived to be more difficult to care for compared with patients under treatment for other modalities 18. In contrast, Al Wakeel and Bayoumi19 and Cantekin, Kavurmacı and Tan20 suggested evidence that a higher burden of care was observed among caregivers of PD patients than caregivers of patients undergoing HD treatment.…”

“…In line with this study, past studies also reported that caregivers of HD patients have deteriorated psychological well-being compared with caregivers of PD or kidney transplant patients, 16 17 so patients under HD treatment were perceived to be more difficult to care for compared with patients under treatment for other modalities. 18 In contrast, Al Wakeel and Bayoumi 19 and Cantekin, Kavurmacı and Tan 20 suggested evidence that a higher burden of care was observed among caregivers of PD patients than caregivers of patients undergoing HD treatment. The educational level, age, health and capability of the patient with regard to self-care serve as the determinants of the burden of care among caregivers.…”

“…8 21 Compared with their caregivers, patients with ESRD are more prone to depression and a lower quality of physical and psychological well-being. 18 The prevalence of depression among patients with ESRD is estimated to be around 20%–30%, whereas their level of anxiety ranges between 12% and 52%. 26 Depression and anxiety symptoms occur more frequently among patients undergoing dialysis than patients who have undergone kidney transplantation.…”

“…This self-perceived burden arises when the recipients of care possess feelings of dependence, frustration and anxiety, leading to guilt about the hardship being imposed on the caregiver 24. The incidence and prevalence of ESRD have adverse effects on the psychological well-being of both patients and their caregivers,15 18 25–27 and their quality of life 8 21. Compared with their caregivers, patients with ESRD are more prone to depression and a lower quality of physical and psychological well-being 18.…”

“…The incidence and prevalence of ESRD have adverse effects on the psychological well-being of both patients and their caregivers,15 18 25–27 and their quality of life 8 21. Compared with their caregivers, patients with ESRD are more prone to depression and a lower quality of physical and psychological well-being 18. The prevalence of depression among patients with ESRD is estimated to be around 20%–30%, whereas their level of anxiety ranges between 12% and 52% 26.…”