ORIGINAL: Self-perceived Burden on Caregivers, Anxiety and Depression among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in Southern Nigeria

West Afr J Med. 2021 April; 38(4): 335-341 PMID: 33900716

Abstract

Introduction: Psychosocial problems are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and are associated with poor overall outcomes; however, their evaluation has not received the deserved attention. This study assessed self-perceived burden on caregivers, psychosocial wellbeing, anxiety and depression among CKD patients, and the impact on their quality of life (QoL) in two hospitals in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Self-perceived burden on caregivers, QoL, anxiety, and depression of the patients, were assessed using the Cousineau questionnaire, modified SF-12 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively.

Results: There were 141 participants in the study comprising 50 haemodialysis (HD) patients, 41 pre-dialysis CKD patients and 50 controls. The male: female ratio for CKD patients and controls were 1.1 and 1.4 respectively. Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in the CKD patients were 46.2% and 33.0% respectively. The QoL score was significantly higher in the control group compared to the CKD patients (p= <0.001) and significantly lower in the HD patients compared to the pre-dialysis CKD patients (p= <0.001). Self-perceived burden score was significantly higher in the HD group compared to the pre-dialysis CKD group (p = < 0.001) There was a negative correlation between QoL score and self-perceived burden, hospital anxiety score and hospital depression score (p =<0.001).

Conclusion: Psychological disorders and self-perceived burdens are highly prevalent among CKD patients. They have negative impact on their QoL, hence regular evaluation and management of these disorders should be incorporated into the care of CKD patients.