BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that causes a permanent impairment of renal function and premature mortality. The associated prognosis may result in serious psychological distress to the affected individual. However, there are limited data on the psychological correlates, and in particular depression, in Chinese CKD patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression, as well as the influence of other psychosocial factors on depression, among Taiwanese CKD patients.MethodsWe used a cross-sectional research design to recruit 270 CKD patients who were not undergoing dialysis treatment at a hospital in southern Taiwan during 2011. The structured questionnaire used in this study gathered information on respondent demographic and disease characteristics, and information obtained from the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Factors associated with depression were examined by a multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe crude and age-standardized prevalence of depression were 22.6% and 20.6%, respectively. Those who had sleep disturbances, reported having no religious beliefs, followed no regular exercise regimen, and were diagnosed with stage III or above CKD demonstrated a significantly higher risk of depression.ConclusionOur findings are beneficial to healthcare providers, as they identify both the prevalence of depression and several of its correlates. By identifying CKD patients with a higher risk of depression, healthcare providers may be better able to ensure the provision of appropriate rehabilitation to this population.

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BackgroundAcceptance of disability (AOD) is a useful construct that assesses the ability of a patient to psychologically cope with chronic diseases, but its effect on long-term outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between AOD level and clinical outcomes in a cohort of CKD patients in Taiwan.Methods262 CKD patients without dialysis at a hospital in Taiwan were consecutively recruited, from 2010 to 2011, and followed up for 3 years. At enrollment, demographic and clinical data were obtained, including baseline level measurement of AOD, using the Acceptance of Disability Scale-Revised (AODS-R). During follow-up, the authors assessed the effect of AOD on progression to dialysis and all-cause mortality by using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.ResultsOf the patients included in the analyses, 145 (55.3 %) whose total scores of AOD were below the median (86.00) were regarded as having low AOD at enrollment. At the end of 3-year follow-up, 25 have died and 57 initiated dialysis. Participants with low AOD were more likely to have the composite end-point of progression to dialysis or death (adjusted hazard ratios [AHR] = 1.89, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-3.20). In addition, CKD stage at IV or above and hemoglobin level were found to be associated with the occurrence of the composite end-point.ConclusionAOD was associated with an increased risk for poor clinical outcomes, thus suggesting that prompt awareness and management of the psychological reactions may improve clinical outcomes of patients with CKD.

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