Depression among Patients on Hemodialysis in Kiambu County

Depression is among the commonest mental disorders seen in medical practice. Although its estimates indicating the same vary due to the measurement criteria used, at least 25% of those experiencing health problems and more so on hemodialysis are likely to suffer from depression. A diagnosis of depression is associated with diminished health status and lower quality of life persisting over time. Depression among hemodialysis patients may complicate the treatment and influence non adherence. There might be direct effects with depression and diminished quality of life having adverse psychological manifestations. In an effort to understand why hemodialysis patients with depression have poor outcomes, this study was meant to help identify these comorbidities in this population. In this study assessment of depression, depressive symptoms and quality of life was assessed among patients on hemodialysis. The study was conducted mainly in renal units within three hospitals in Kiambu County. This is whereby random sampling method was used and data collected was analyzed using SPSS. From the findings of the study the focus was to be on influencing screening and diagnosis of depression among hemodialysis patients. This will lead to mental health disorders more so depression being diagnosed and well managed in conjunction with other medical comorbidities. It was also projected that through this study awareness would be created about depression, quality of life and other mental health disorders among this population and assessment of the same would be part of the treatment given.