Psychological Disorders and Quality of Life among Sudanese Dialysis Patients and Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Introduction: Psychiatric illness is common among patients with chronic disorders, particularly in those with end-stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Patients with a functioning renal allograft have an improved quality of life (QOL) compared to patients on dialysis.
Objective: to evaluate the psychological disorders and QOL among dialysis patients and renal transplant recipients.
Patients and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study that included 168 patients on RRT. Their psychological health status was assessed through clinical examination and relevant designed questionnaires .The data obtained were fed to the SPSS for analysis. Significance was assumed at P< 0.05.
Results: Out of 168 ESRD Sudanese patients, 43 (25.6%) received renal allograft. The frequency of depression was 90 (72%) and nine (25.6%) of patients on dialysis; and kidney transplant recipients respectively. Anxiety was reported with significant difference (p < 0.001) in the dialyzed patients compared to kidney transplant recipients. Sleep disorders were experienced by 81 (64.8%) of dialyzed, and nine (20.9%) of kidney transplant recipients (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Psychological disorders in dialyzed ESRD patients have significant effect on the quality of life and may have a tremendous impact on mortality and morbidity. For this reason, supportive management by psychologist and or psychiatrist is recommended for early detection and
alleviation of symptoms of mood and mind disturbances. For most patients with ESRD kidney transplantation offers the greatest potential for restoring healthy productive life.

Keywords: ESRD, allograft, depression, anxiety.