Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on depressive symptoms among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Background Hemodialysis (HD) patients are extremely likely to have depression, which is known to have several negative effects and a low quality of life. Aim To evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depressive symptoms among patients undergoing HD. Methods A quasi-experimental (pre-post-test and follow-up) research design was utilized to carry out this study, A sample of 60 patients with CRF who were receiving HD was chosen as a purposeful sample, study was conducted at The Kidney Dialysis Unit at Minia University Hospital for Urology and Nephrology, Study tools: Tool I: Structured Interview Questionnaire: which was comprised of two portions: Part one: Socio-demographic data sheet: Part two: Medical Data Sheet: Tool II: the Beck Depression Inventory scale. Results 100% of the studied sample had extreme depression at the pre-CBT comparison to 38.30% had mild mood disturbance and 61.70% of them had borderline clinical depression at post CBT respectively, while 43.20% of the studied patients had a moderate level of depression at follow-up of CBT. There is a statistically significant relation between depression and sex, age as well as marital status respectively. Conclusion Patients receiving HD can enhance their emotional wellbeing by implementing CBT approaches such behavioral activation, and cognitive restructuring. Recommendations CBT is a useful strategy for HD patients to reduce their depressive symptoms. Healthcare providers can improve their patients’ mental state and general well-being by applying CBT for routine care provided to these patients.