Depression in Primary Caretakers of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: To assess the frequency of depression among primary caretakers maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients at our center and its association with different factors. Study Design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Place Duration Study: The Kidney Centre Postgraduate Training Institute Karachi, Pakistan from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021. Methodology: One hundred eighty-five data were collected using two questionnaires, one for demographic other was Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) assessment depression, filled by investigator caretaker respectively. BD-II is a self-reporting questionnaire that consists 21 questions used globally measuring severity depression. Results: There 123 (66.5%) males 62 (33.5%) females. mean age 44.8±12.4 years. Hypertension most prevalent comorbid in 56 (30.3%) followed diabetes mellitus 32 (17.3%). common relationship children patient 59 (31.9%), whereas second spouse 54 (29.2%). We found 99 (53.5%) study participants had minimal while none severe Variables like education, work status, monthly income, number earning people, years on hemodialysis, conditions, significantly associated degree (P<0.05). Conclusion: suffering also positive multiple variables. These findings will help physicians identify those who need referral psychiatrist/psychologist proper treatment. Keywords: Depression, Primary Caretaker, maintenance, Hemodialysis