The Association of Family Function with Anxiety and Depression among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: a Cross-Sectional Study in Iran.

Abstract

Background: Background: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. Social support can help in reducing these disorders.

Objectives: This study is aimed to examine the relationship of family functioning with anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 199 patients referred to the hemodialysis centers of Zanjan province, Iran, in 2019. Stratified sampling was used. A demographic questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression questionnaire (HADS) and McMaster family assessment device (FAD) were employed as data collection tools. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient test.

Results: Of all study participants, 52.3% were males, 76.4% were married and 52.7% were over 60 years old. Patients' family functioning in all dimensions was within the normal range. Among the dimensions of family functioning, problem solving (mean 1.88) was the best dimension and roles (mean 2.36) the weakest one. Patients had a mean anxiety score of 9, which indicated a mild level of the condition, and 60.8% of subjects had different stages of anxiety. The mean score of depression was 9.46, which also revealed a mild level, and 68.8% of subjects had different stages of depression. With the improvement of family functioning, patients' anxiety and depression decreased.

Conclusions: A better family functioning was associated with a lower level of anxiety and depression in the investigated subjects. Therefore, it is recommended to provide educational and counseling services, effective and comprehensive social support from various support systems in the society for improving patients' family function.