Depression in prevalent maintenance hemodialysispatients

Abstract

Background: Depression is a common mental health issue among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), significantly impacting their quality of life and overall prognosis. While prior studies have reported variable prevalence rates globally, data specific to MHD patients in our regional tertiary care setting remain limited. This study addresses this gap byevaluating prevalence, severity, and associated factors of depression, thereby supporting evidence-based health strategies in this at-risk population. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and severity of depression in 74 patients undergoing MHD at a tertiary care center in North India. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used to assess the symptoms of depression. Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 59.5%. Among the participants 33.8% had mild depression, 23.0%had moderate depression, and 2.7% had severe depression. Patients dialyzed via tunneled hemodialysis catheters exhibited significantly higher rates of depression compared to those with arteriovenous fistulas (p < 0.05). Patients with a transplant prospect had lower rates of depression compared to those without (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Depression is highly prevalent in patients on MHD. This study highlights the need for routine depression screening and appropriate management in this vulnerable population to improve their overall well-being and treatment outcomes.