Prevalence of depression and life events in hemodialysis patients in Vali-Asr hospital in Birjand (2010)

The end stage renal disease (ESRD) and dialysis due to it affect seriously on physical and mental health of patients. Hemodialysis is a stressful process and life events have been known effective in creating depression in dialysis patients. Thus considering long time treatment and changes in lifestyle of patients, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of depression and life events in hemodialysis patients in Birjand (2010). This was a descriptive – analytical and sectional study which was done on hemodialysis patients in Vali-Asr hospital in Birjand and had inclusion criteria. Data were collected by questionnaire included three parts: demographic characteristics, Beck depression test and Holmes- Rahe life-event test. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software with Chi-square tests, Fisher exact test and Pearson correlation with (α=0.05). Out of 60 patients included: 60% were male, 88.3% were married, 85% were city inhabitants and 85% had private houses. 60% had average financial situation, 58.3% were unemployed and 53.3% were dialyzed three times a week. The mean age of patients was 54.35±17.46 years. 43.3% of patients weren’t depressed and 56.7% had depression. Life events score in 45% of patients was more than 200. There was a positive relationship between life events and depression scores but not statistically significant. There was only a statistically significant difference in relationship between genders (P=0.003) regarding individual variables, life events and depression. Considering t he prevalence of depression and possible physical and mental illnesses in 50 to 80 percents in terms of Holmes-Rahe more than 200, it seems essential to prevent and mentally support these patients