Prospective analysis of the impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on patients and caregivers

Introduction. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high incidence, prevalence and morbidity and mortality among the world population, negatively impacting the biopsychosocial aspects of patients and family caregivers. Objective. To evaluate the association between the mental health of caregivers and CKD patients on dialysis. Method. A prospective cohort study, the sample included patients with CKD on dialysis at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) and their family caregivers from 2015 to 2019. The instruments used for data collection were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale (EPSS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory (LISS), the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36), the Fatigue Pictogram. Results. Most patients were on haemodialysis for more than 4 years and were female, middle-aged, and black. Most caregivers were female, middle-aged and white. The participants in both groups predominantly married people with low levels of education. The general levels of mental health and quality of life (QoL) between patients and caregivers were similar. Conclusion. The mental health of patients and their family caregivers was similarly and negatively affected by CKD; therefore, treatment and interdisciplinary mental health care measures are urgent for this population.