Prevalence of Depression and Quality of Life among Haemodialysis Patients: A Hospital based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread health issue which may eventually lead to the stage called end stage renal disease (ESRD) where haemodialysis is very much required, globally prevalence CKD is about 10% where in India the prevalence ranges from 5 to 15 %. This study aims to examine depression and quality of life (QoL) among rural haemodialysis patients in Karnataka for better care integration. Objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence of depression and quality of life among haemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in the rural south India; 2. To assess the effect of depression on QoL of patients on haemodialysis. Settings and Design: It was a hospital based cross sectional study. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was been conducted among haemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in rural south India from May 2024 to July 2024. By universal sampling 96 haemodialysis patients were assessed for depression and QoL using pre-validated semi structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. The Data were in entered in MS Excel spread sheet and statistical analysis was done in SPSS software version 21. Results: out of 96 participants 38.54% were suffering from clinical depression with significant low WHO QoL score for all domains of WHO QOL. Conclusions: The assessment of depression and QoL among haemodialysis patients declared that a significant proportion is suffering from depression and which adversely affecting their quality of life. So, a regular psychological screening, multidisciplinary support, mental health interventions, and social support programs are essential to improve haemodialysis patients' well-being. Keywords: Depression, Quality of Life, Chronic kidney disease, Haemodialysis