Anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients and their correlation with coping styles

Objective Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem with a 10.8% prevalence in China. Hemodialysis is the main alternative treatment after CKD patients enter the end stage. Although hemodialysis prolongs the patients life span, it prones psychological disorders as well. In order to understand the mental health level of hemodialysis patients, we investigated the mental health status of anxiety and depression of hemodialysis patients in the hemodialysis room of our hospital, and the correlation of anxiety and depression with coping styles. Methods 255 hemodialysis patients were investigated with general information questionnaire, GAD-7 item evaluation form, PHQ-9 item evaluation table, and medical coping style questionnaire. Results The incidences of anxiety and depression were 27.06% and 40.00% in the hemodialysis patients, respectively; and were higher in the patients undergoing hemodialysis< 1 year than in those ≥1 year. It was found that there was a negative correlation of facing the situation with anxiety and depression in the hemodialysis patients (P<0.05), and a positive correlation of avoiding and yielding with anxiety and depression (P<0.05). Conclusion The incidences of anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients in our center are high, and highly relates to dialysis time. Medical staff should encourage the patients to face the situation, and pay attention to the patients psychological health. Key words: Hemodialysis; Anxiety; Depression