Frequency and risk factors associated with depression in hemodialysis patients, Gadarif Nephrology Center, Sudan

Background: Throughout the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients encounter significant psychological challenges that affect their well-being, including coping with the life-threatening diagnosis and lifelong treatment, dialysis techniques, treatment side effects, and complications. 

Objective: This study aimed to assess depression among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) at Gadarif Nephrology Center, Gadarif State, Sudan 

Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at Gadarif Nephrology Center in Gadarif State from Jun 2024 to October 2024. Data were collected through an interview-administered questionnaire. Depression level was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory scale. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. 

Results: The study included 290 patients, the age distribution revealed that the majority of participants, 36.9% (107/290), were in the 44–56 years age group, followed by 76 (26.2%) in the 57–73 years group. Male was predominant gender with frequency of 74.8% (217/290). Decreased physical function was the most observed risk factor for depression, affecting 74.8% (217/290). No participants reported a decline in sexual function or cognitive skills as a risk factor for depression. Based on the beck Depression Inventory Assessment, 91.7% (266/290) of participants showed no signs of depression while mild depression was identified in 5.5% (16/290) of participants. No significant association was observed between the depression and age, sex, education and disease duration among study subject. The study documented significant association between the depression among study subject and occupation (P-value = 0.028) and, residence (P-value = 0.001). 

Conclusion: The study detected a relatively low frequency of depression among studied ESRD cases in Gadarif State, Sudan.