Depression in elderly hemodialysis patients

Aim: To evaluate the frequency of depression in elderly subjects undergoing hemodialysis and to identify associated factors.Methods: Cross-sectional study that included subjects over 65 years of age with chronic renal failure undergoing periodic hemodialysis in the cities of Tataouine and M denine in southern Tunisia during the month of October 2017.Data were collected through a semi-structured interview of the patient and a family member using three geriatric scales: the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Katz Autonomy Scale (ADL). Results: Of the 81 patients included, 67% had depression. Depression was significantly associated with: illiteracy, lack of physical activity, lack of leisure activity, presence of a stressor, lack of autonomy, presence of motor disability, presence of a physical comorbidity, pre-dialytic creatinemia⩽ 800μmol/l, hypoprotidemia and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: The development of effective strategies taking into account the risk factors for depression is necessary for adequate management of these patients.