Anxiety and Depression in Men Undergoing Hemodialysis with Arteriovenous Anastomosis (fistula)

Chronic Kidney Disease imposes a significant burden on the National Health System of each country. In terms of gender, worldwide, there are differences in the incidence of the disease, the substitution of renal function and the emotional burden. Purpose of the present study was to assess the levels of anxiety and depression experienced by men undergoing hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula. Material and Method: The study sample consisted of 139 men undergoing hemodialysis in kidney units of public hospitals in Attica during the period February-November 2017. Data were collected through interview by the completion of the scale "The Hospital Anxiety And Depression Scale (HADS), which included the patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Of the 139 participants, 32.4% were over the age of 70 years and 52.5% were under dialysis for more than 6 years. High levels of anxiety and depression were found in 25.2% and 20.1%, respectively (p=0.019). High levels of anxiety were experienced more often by individuals 51–60 years old (p=0.019), the, divorced/widowed (p=0.015), those who reported very well adherence to the proposed dietary regimen (p=0.037), those with poor/moderate relationship with nursing staff (p<0.001), those who concealed their health problem (p<0.001) and those who had fatigue (p=0.001). High levels of depression were experienced by those aged 71–80 years, (p=0.016), the divorced/widowed (p =0.007), those who reported little or no adherence the proposed dietary regimen (p=0.022), those with poor/moderate relationship with nursing staff, (p=0.001), those who concealed their health problem, (p=0.001) and those who had fatigue (p=0.010). Conclusions: Clinical characteristics and socio-demographic are responsible for the levels of anxiety and depression of hemodialysis men, which require further investigation. It is imperative to adopt a global research methodology that will allow comparison of the results between countries, thus contributing to the development of a common policy for the mental protection of hemodialysis men.