Psychosocial Well-Being of Patients with Kidney Failure Receiving Haemodialysis during a Pandemic: A Survey

Abstract

Background: Living with kidney failure and undergoing hospital haemodialysis (HD) is associated with a high prevalence of mental health problems and poor quality of life. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges for this patient population. Objectives: To understand the impact on mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in people receiving HD. Methods: An online survey using a cross-sectional study design. Two validated assessment tools (General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12); Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI)), binary, Likert and free-text qualitative questions were included. Individuals with kidney failure receiving HD, over 18 years of age, were recruited online between July and August 2020. Results: Forty-four participants were recruited. Approximately, 54% of respondents were tested for COVID-19; however, no positive results were reported by patients or associated family members. Scores of GHQ-12 and PWI were compared with those from previous studies. Mental health distress was higher in prevalence (68.2%) and severity (M = 18.3) in this study when compared to that of the general population in Northern Ireland during COVID-19 (April 2020). In addition, well-being (M = 37.16, SD = 18.19) was poorer when compared to that of pre-COVID-19 dialysis patient population. Conclusion: During the current pandemic, individuals receiving hospital HD have heightened mental health distress, and their well-being is impacted negatively. This study reinforces the need to provide appropriate psychosocial care as well as supportive interventions for mental distress to patients with kidney failure during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Langfristige körperliche und psychische Folgen chronischer Nierenerkrankungen

“…Nicht nur die medizinischen Folgen einer COVID-19-Erkrankung hinsichtlich des Verlaufs einer chronischen Nierenerkrankung sind bislang unzureichend bekannt, auch die medizinpsychologischen Folgen für dieses kritische Patient:innenkollektiv sind noch weitgehend unerforscht und müssen in den kommenden Jahren aufgearbeitet werden [ 87 , 88 ]. Ebenfalls zu untersuchen sind die medizinpsychologischen Folgen der Pandemie bei Patient:innen mit dialysepflichtiger Niereninsuffizienz, die auf der Warteliste zur Nierentransplantation stehen und unsicher sind, wann ein Organangebot sie erreichen wird und ob sie das Organangebot dann annehmen oder mit Blick auf eine mögliche SARS-CoV-2-Infektion eher auf einen späteren Zeitpunkt und ein erneutes Organangebot verschieben sollten [ 89 , 90 ].…”

Patient activation and psychological coping strategies to manage challenging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic in people with kidney disease

“…An individual’s ability to self-manage their health can be threatened during challenging/stressful times, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The adverse impacts of COVID-19, including drastic changes in day-to-day routines [ 2 ] and interruptions to routine healthcare [ 3 , 4 ], had a profound negative impact on psychological well-being [ 5 ], particularly for individuals with long-term conditions like CKD [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Examining the acceptability and feasibility of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme in adults living with chronic kidney disease: the COSMIC study findings

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, with people with kidney disease continuing to experience heightened risk factors for serious illness and mortality due to their clinically extremely vulnerable status [ 8 ], and prolonged periods of shielding and social distancing [ 9 ]. Consequently, there has been an increase in psychological distress for many people living with kidney disease [ 10 ], with an increase in anxiety and depression [ 11 ], highlighting the need for effective psychosocial support systems and interventions.…”