Major Depression in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Attending the Renal Clinic in a Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt Nigeria

Background: Depression is the commonest mental disorder associated with chronic disorders such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, hypertension and diabetes. This study is aimed at analyzing depression, focusing on prevalence, its predictors and associated factors in CKD patients

Methods: Using a convenient sampling approach, patients attending the renal clinic in a teaching hospital between February and September 2024, who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. Data was collected via interviewer administered approach and examination of the medical records of the 200 participants. Socio-demographic data was obtained and the “Patients Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9” was used as the instrument for depression related data.

Results: The patients were predominantly males (n=115;57%). Majority of the patients n=82;41% were of low socioeconomic class and 30% had no financial support. Hypertension was the leading comorbidity 62%. The mean depression (PHQ-9) score was 7.10+5.202, with 126(63%) having depressive symptoms out of which 55(43.7%) had major depression (PHQ>10). 71(56.3%) had mild depression, 32(25.4%) had moderate, 21(16.7%) had moderate to severe depression, while 2(1.6%) had severe depression. Nine of the variables showed significant association (p=.05) with depression, out of which, employment OR:8.56 p=.001, financial support p=.001, CKD stages OR: 64,742 p=.003 and medication dependence OR: 3.661 p=0,009 were predictive.

Conclusion: Major depression is of high prevalence in patients with CKD. Low income and lack of financial support play significant role in major depression. Functional social support and routine screening for depression are strongly recommended.