Determinants of depression and anxiety among family caregivers of patients attending maintenance hemodialysis at tertiary hospital, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Family caregivers play essential roles; financial assistance such as bill payment, linkage communication between patients and healthcare professionals, proximal follow-up of treatment plans, proper cleanliness, and nutrition planning. Family caregivers experience anxiety and depression while carrying out this duty. Therefore, this study was assessing the prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated factors among family caregivers of patients with end stage kidney disease receiving hemodialysis services at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Muhimbili National Hospital. Materials and Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants in the study were chosen by convenience sampling method, and information was gathered using a standardized HADS questionnaire and an administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26. A descriptive statistics was run to obtain mean and standard deviation, frequency and percentages for socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. Also, a chi-square test was used to test the association of the socio-demographic data and Depression /anxiety. Furthermore, logistic regression was conducted to all variable with p-value less than 0.2 so as to determine the predictors of depression and anxiety. Data was displayed using statistical tables and charts, and statistical significant was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: This study recruited a total of 300 family members. The mean age was 38.22 years (10.38 years SD), and the majority were females, 188 (62.7%). Depressive symptoms and anxiety were present in 64% and 57%, respectively. Caregiver ages, being spouses as caregivers, as well as parent caregivers, were associated with anxiety and depression while male care givers and education levels were associated with anxiety alone. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of depression and anxiety scores among family caregivers of patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis services. This has a negative impact on the quality of care provided to patients and their health outcomes. It is therefore imperative that healthcare professionals devise plans that aid in the early detection and mitigation of the consequences caused by anxiety and depression.