The Relationship Between Social Support With The Level Of Depression Of Chronic Kidney Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis At Medan City Hospital
Introduction
Depression is a common mental disorder that affects patients with chronic kidney failure, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The impact of depression not only affects physical health but also the psychological well-being of patients. This study aims to analyze the relationship between social support and the level of depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis at the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Dr. Pirngadi City of Medan.
Background
Chronic kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to function properly, leading to the buildup of waste products in the body. Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter the blood and remove waste products from the body. However, hemodialysis can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience for patients, which can contribute to the development of depression.
Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic kidney failure, with studies showing that up to 50% of patients experience depression. Depression can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, making it difficult for them to manage their medical condition and adhere to treatment.
Methodology
This study used a correlational descriptive method to analyze the relationship between social support and the level of depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis at the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Dr. Pirngadi City of Medan. The research population consisted of all chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis at the hospital. From this population, 126 patients were randomly selected using a simple random sampling technique.
To measure social support, researchers used a questionnaire that was designed on their own with a validity value of 0.87 and reliability of 0.73. In addition, to assess the level of depression, the Hamilton Rating Scale Depression (HRSD-17) questionnaire was used.
Results
The results showed that most respondents (67.50%) were in the category of good social support. However, although social support is quite good, around 65.10% of patients experience mild depression rates. The analysis results using the Pearson correlation test showed a p-value of 0.00 (p <0.05) with a R value of -0.46. This indicates a significant relationship between social support and the level of depression, with a negative pattern; This means that the higher the social support received by patients, the lower the level of depression they experience.
Discussion
The results of this study suggest that social support plays a significant role in reducing the level of depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. Patients who have strong social support networks tend to have a better coping mechanism in facing challenges related to their medical conditions. Support from family, friends, and medical personnel play an important role in reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety, which often accompanies patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies that have shown a positive relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in patients with chronic kidney failure. Social support can function as a protector against depression conditions, and patients who have strong social support networks tend to have a better quality of life.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of social support in reducing the level of depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. The findings of this study suggest that nurses and medical personnel in the hemodialysis unit should conduct routine depression level assessment. Early detection of depression symptoms can help in the patient's mental health management.
By understanding the relationship between social support and depression, health workers can design more effective interventions to improve the quality of life of patients. Social support is not just an emotional aspect, but is also an important component in the overall approach to patient care with chronic kidney failure. With adequate support, patients are expected to be able to undergo their treatment process better and reduce the negative impact of depression.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Conduct routine depression level assessment: Nurses and medical personnel in the hemodialysis unit should conduct routine depression level assessment to identify patients who are at risk of depression.
- Provide social support: Patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis should receive adequate social support from family, friends, and medical personnel.
- Design effective interventions: Health workers should design more effective interventions to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis.
- Monitor patients closely: Patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis should be monitored closely for signs of depression and other mental health problems.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a correlational design, which may not establish causality between social support and depression. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may influence the relationship between social support and depression, such as age, sex, and medical comorbidities.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to replicate the findings of this study using a larger sample size and a more robust research design. Additionally, future research should investigate the mechanisms by which social support influences depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. Finally, future research should explore the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve social support and reduce depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of social support in reducing the level of depression in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. The findings of this study suggest that nurses and medical personnel in the hemodialysis unit should conduct routine depression level assessment and provide adequate social support to patients. By understanding the relationship between social support and depression, health workers can design more effective interventions to improve the quality of life of patients.
Q: What is the relationship between social support and depression in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis?
A: The study found a significant relationship between social support and depression in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients who received higher levels of social support tended to have lower levels of depression.
Q: What is social support, and how does it affect depression in chronic kidney failure patients?
A: Social support refers to the emotional, informational, and practical support that individuals receive from family, friends, and medical personnel. The study found that social support can function as a protector against depression conditions, and patients who have strong social support networks tend to have a better coping mechanism in facing challenges related to their medical conditions.
Q: What are the benefits of social support for chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis?
A: The benefits of social support for chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis include:
- Reduced feelings of isolation and anxiety
- Improved coping mechanism in facing challenges related to their medical conditions
- Better quality of life
- Reduced risk of depression
Q: How can healthcare providers promote social support for chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis?
A: Healthcare providers can promote social support for chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis by:
- Conducting routine depression level assessment
- Providing emotional, informational, and practical support to patients
- Encouraging patients to build strong social support networks
- Educating patients and their families about the importance of social support
Q: What are the limitations of the study?
A: The study has several limitations, including:
- Small sample size
- Correlational design, which may not establish causality between social support and depression
- Failure to control for other factors that may influence the relationship between social support and depression
Q: What are the implications of the study for healthcare providers and policymakers?
A: The study has several implications for healthcare providers and policymakers, including:
- The need to conduct routine depression level assessment for chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis
- The importance of providing emotional, informational, and practical support to patients
- The need to educate patients and their families about the importance of social support
- The need to develop and implement effective interventions to improve social support and reduce depression in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis
Q: What are the future research directions for this topic?
A: Future research should aim to:
- Replicate the findings of this study using a larger sample size and a more robust research design
- Investigate the mechanisms by which social support influences depression in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis
- Explore the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve social support and reduce depression in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis
Q: What are the practical applications of the study for patients and their families?
A: The study has several practical applications for patients and their families, including:
- The importance of building strong social support networks
- The need to seek emotional, informational, and practical support from family, friends, and medical personnel
- The need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and to seek help if needed
- The need to work with healthcare providers to develop and implement effective interventions to improve social support and reduce depression.