Assessment of Psychological wellbeing and Activities of Daily Life Among Elderly Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract

Background & Aim: Chronic kidney disease is a major health concern in Egypt, often requiring lifelong hemodialysis (HD) especially among elderly. Patients on long term HD has a great impact on their health-related quality of life, as it affects physical, social, psychological and spiritual well-being of patients. The current study aimed to assess psychological wellbeing and activities of daily life among elderly patients with chronic renal failure.

Methods & Materials: Descriptive design was used via a purposive sample of 100 elderly with chronic renal failure. Three tools were used; structured interview questionnaire (sociodemographic data & medical history), DASS (21) depression, anxiety and stress scale and Katz scale for activities of daily living.

Results: The study findings reported that the elderly mean age was 66.04±4.59 years, 54% were males, 70% belonged to rural areas, 48%  were married, 54% were illiterate, 40% were housewives before retirement, almost all studied patients attended three hemodialysis sessions per week, hypertension and diabetes were the leading causes of renal failure among elderly, only 18% of the elderly patients were independent in activities of daily life, 30% suffered from extremely severe depression, 64% suffered from extremely sever anxiety and 16% suffered from extremely sever stress.

Conclusion: Chronic renal failure had negative effect on psychological wellbeing and activities of daily life among elderly patients.

Recommendations: Replicate the study on larger sample size for longer period to further assess psychological wellbeing and activities of daily life among elderly patients with chronic renal failure. Encourage the development of supportive groups for elderly dialysis patients to enhance psychological wellbeing, and provide occupational therapy interventions to improve functional independence.