End stage renal disease and the marital dyad: An empirical investigation

Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Disease

“…Twenty percent of spouses of dialysis patients had "significant depressive symptoms" in a Canadian study. 187 Spouses' level of distress was not correlated with level of patient function or depression. Social support received from the patient and social and financial stressors experienced by the spouse accounted for a large proportion of spouse perceptions.…”

“…181,182 Few studies exist on spousal or family relations in ESRD patients, and almost none focus on outcomes. [182][183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190] Most studies performed within families of HD patients have assessed comparisons of members of dyads or families on psychosocial tests.…”

“…182 Chowanec and Binik 187 showed dialysis patients and spouses had strong links between psychological distress and perceptions of marital strain. Twenty percent of spouses of dialysis patients had "significant depressive symptoms" in a Canadian study.…”

Determinants and prevalence of depression in patients with chronic renal disease, and their caregivers

“…27 In a study done in Canada, 20% of the spouses of dialysis patients had "significant depressive symptoms." 28 Most studies performed within families of HD patients showed that more than half of the couples had evidence of marital disruption. 29 Chowanec and Binik showed that dialysis patients and spouses had strong links between psychological distress and perceptions of marital strain.…”

“…29 Chowanec and Binik showed that dialysis patients and spouses had strong links between psychological distress and perceptions of marital strain. 28 Chronic illness such as CKD in a couple may cause tension on usual marital roles. The patient's ability to work may be compromised and further alters the individual's roles as couples.…”