Publisher's Synopsis
Aim: To evaluate the frequency of depression in elderly subjects undergoing hemodialysis and to identify associated factors.Methods: Cross-sectional study that included subjects over 65 years of age with chronic renal failure undergoing periodic hemodialysis in the cities of Tataouine and Médenine in southern Tunisia during the month of October 2017.Data were collected through a semi-structured interview of the patient and a family member using three geriatric scales: the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Katz Autonomy Scale (ADL). Results: Of the 81 patients included, 67% had depression. Depression was significantly associated with: illiteracy, lack of physical activity, lack of leisure activity, presence of a stressor, lack of autonomy, presence of motor disability, presence of a physical comorbidity, pre-dialytic creatinemia⩽ 800μmol/l, hypoprotidemia and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: The development of effective strategies taking into account the risk factors for depression is necessary for adequate management of these patients.
