Impact of Mental Health Literacy on Mental Health and Renal Function in Dialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This article aims to assess Mental Health Literacy (MHL) in dialysis patients and examine their impact on anxiety, depression and physical health. Material and Method: The study was conducted in the Hemodialysis Unit of Karaman Training and Research Hospital between March and June 2024. A total of 87 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were included in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured sociodemographic form, Mental Health Literacy Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Biochemical parameters were obtained from electronic patient records. Results: The frequency of depression was 45%. There was no significant difference in MHL points among individuals with and without depression. Furthermore, no correlation was found between MHL and duration of disease or dialysis. A significant relationship was found between Total and Resource subscale scores of MHL and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusion: The frequency of depression was higher in dialysis patients than in the general population. Albeit no significant difference in MHL was observed between patients diagnosed with depression and those without, the significant relationship between MHL and eGFR suggests that interventions to increase MHL may have positive effects on disease progression.