Efficacy of Psychological Interventions in Reducing the Prevalence and Intensity of Depression in Patients with Long-Term Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: People with end‐stage renal disease treated with long- term hemodialysis is frequently affected by major depression, which results in poor patients’outcomes; therefore, psychological interventions are crucial. Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of psychological interventions in reducing the prevalence and intensity of depression in patients with long -term hemodialysis. Design: A one group quasi-experimental design that measures change in depression pre and post psychological interventions. Setting: This study was conducted at the hemodialysis unit (HD) in Dyarb Negm Central Hospital in Dyarb Negm City, in the Sharkia Governorate. Subjects: A purposive sample of 100 adult patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who are on regular hemodialysis therapy in the study setting and have agreed to participate in the study. Tools: Patients’ baseline demographic and medical data structured interview questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The current study findings revealed that all of the studied patients had depression, and the majority suffered from severe depression pre- intervention phase, while the intensity of depression for the majority reduced to a mild level post-intervention phase. Conclusion: There were statistically significant differences in depression and its’ intensity pre-and post psychological interventions. Recommendation: The study recommends that all ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis undergo periodic psychological evaluations in order to detect any disturbances early. Further research is proposed to examine the efficacy of such psychological interventions on the quality of life of patients on regular hemodialysis.