article · Health SA Gesondheid
Chronic kidney disease presents a growing global health burden linked with substantial physical and psychosocial challenges. This study investigated the relationship between depressive symptoms and haemodialysis adequacy among 78 patients across five renal units in South Africa. Over a three-month period, clinical measurements of dialysis adequacy alongside blood pathology for creatinine and urea were analysed against depression scores gathered via the Beck Depression Inventory. The results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation showing that higher levels of depression correspond with lower haemodialysis adequacy. In contrast, no significant association emerged between depressive symptoms and urea or creatinine levels. These findings demonstrate an urgent requirement to embed mental health screening and psychosocial care directly into standard renal treatment, coupled with improved patient education and support to strengthen clinical compliance.
Chronic kidney disease is projected to become one of the most common chronic conditions globally. By demonstrating that inadequate dialysis delivery correlates with worse depressive symptoms, this research shows that clinical management cannot ignore psychological health. Integrating mental health screening into standard dialysis care offers a practical route for clinics to recognise emotional distress early and improve overall patient outcomes.
The findings support the development of integrated clinical workflows and diagnostic screening protocols for dialysis providers and healthcare systems. The primary users would be nephrology units and renal care teams seeking to combine psychological assessment with routine dialysis monitoring. Because the research represents an early-stage observational study, practical clinical tools, training programmes, and policy frameworks must still be designed and tested before widespread operational adoption.
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Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern projected to be the fifth most prevalent chronic disease by 2040, associated with high mortality and significant psychosocial burdens. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the correlation between depression and haemodialysis adequacy in CKD patients. Setting: Research was conducted across five units in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces, South Africa. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, prospective analytic study included 78 patients selected via convenience sampling, and trustworthiness and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. A biostatistician analysed the raw data using the statistical analysis system (SAS). Data collected over 3 months involved objective measurements of online dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) and pathology (creatinine, urea), alongside subjective depression assessments using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: = 0.0231), indicating that higher depressive symptoms correlate with lower adequacy. No significant relationships were observed between depression and creatinine or urea levels. Conclusion: Lower dialysis adequacy is significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. Findings highlight the urgent need to integrate mental health screening and psychosocial support into routine renal care to improve patient outcomes. Contribution: The findings highlight the necessity of psychosocial support, patient compliance, and education to improve employment and nutritional security, and advocate for comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
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DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3275
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