Abstract

Background: Even though depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders complicating physical illnesses, not many studies have elucidated the clinical and laboratory correlates and predictors of depression in patients with kidney disease. Method: Data was collected from 153 consented participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a cross-sectional study using depression module of MINI International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (MINI). Clinical, laboratory and sociodemographic profile of each participant were obtained from patient`s folder. Analysis was done with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation test and Logistic regression test. Result: Eight-nine (58.12%) participants were depressed; and depression positively correlated with one having being transfused blood; having received Erythropoietin (EPO), parenteral Iron; having being on Dialysis; Urea and Creatinine levels. Also found was negative correlation of depression with Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) levels. However, only the EGFR level and having being on dialysis were predictors of depression in CKD. Conclusion: Depression was highly prevalent among the participants, and clinicians should watch closely the above identified clinical and laboratory correlates and predictors so that early detection and appropriate treatment of depression in kidney disease patients may be enhanced.