Relationship Between Family Support and Depression Levels in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients

Adel Adeline; Paulin  Kristin

Authors

Adel Adeline Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia Author
Paulin Kristin Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Chronic Kidney Failure, Depression, Family Support, Hemodialysis, Psychological Well-being

Abstract

Chronic kidney failure (CKF) presents significant physical and psychological challenges, often leading to elevated levels of depression among patients. This study explores the relationship between family support and depression levels in individuals diagnosed with CKF. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 150 CKF patients undergoing hemodialysis at a tertiary care center. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to assess depressive symptoms and the Perceived Social Support-Family Scale (PSS-Fa) to measure family support. Statistical analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.62, p < 0.001) between family support and depression levels, indicating that higher perceived family support is associated with lower levels of depression. Further subgroup analysis showed that patients with strong family involvement demonstrated better emotional resilience and treatment adherence. These findings underscore the importance of integrating family-centered care approaches into the management of CKF patients. Enhancing family support mechanisms may serve as a protective factor against depression, contributing to improved psychological well-being and potentially better clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these findings

References

Al-Kahfi, R., Rahman, S., Palimbo, A., & Novita, S. N. (2017). The Influence of Family Support to Patients’ Anxiety of Chronic Renal Failure With Experience of Hemodialysis at the Hemodialysis Unit of Ulin Hospital Banjarmasin. Atlantis Press, 6, 219–226.

Akalili, H., Andhini, D., & Ningsih, N. (2020). Gambaran Dukungan Keluarga terhadap Perawatan Paliatif pada Pasien yang Menjalani Hemodialisis di RSMH Palembang. Jurnal Kesehatan Saelmakers PERDANA, 3, 327–333.

Anita, D. C., Alfrizki, E. S., Suprayitno, E., Fadlilah, S., & Wantonoro, W. (2025). Family Support, Depression, and Health-Related Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients. Turkish Journal of Nephrology, 34(3), 195–200.

Christensen, A. J., & Ehlers, S. L. (2002). Psychological factors in end‑stage renal disease: an emerging context for behavioral medicine research. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(3), 712–724.

Dila, R. R., & Yuanita, P. (2019). Nursing Care for Clients with Chronic Kidney Failure at Bekasi City Regional Hospital. Profesional Health Journal.

Duan, et al. (2023). Factors associated with depression among CKD patients not on dialysis, including negative illness perception, low self-esteem, and severe pain interference. BMC Psychiatry study.

Gardía, et al. (Year unspecified). Prevalence of depression in CKD on hemodialysis: 66% overall; 28.8% moderate; 13.6% severe. Referenced in BMC Psychiatry.

Hoth, K. F., Christensen, A. J., Ehlers, S. L., Raichle, K. A., & Lawton, W. J. (2007). A longitudinal examination of social support, agreeableness and depressive symptoms in chronic kidney disease. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(1), 69–76.

Indrayani, N. A. R. (2013). The Relationship Between Family Support And Levels of Depression In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Who Undergo Hemodialysis Therapy in RSUP Sanglah Hospital Denpasar. Coping: Community of Publishing in Nursing, 1(1).

Kim, O., Yeom, E. Y., & Jeon, H. O. (2020). Relationships between depression, family function, physical symptoms, and illness uncertainty in female patients with chronic kidney disease. Nursing & Health Sciences, 22(3), 548–556.

Lin, J., Guo, Q., Ye, X., Li, J., Yi, C., Zhang, X., et al. (2013). The effect of social support and coping style on depression in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in southern China. International Urology and Nephrology, 45(2), 527–535.

Mailani, F., & Andriani, R. F. (2017). Hubungan Dukungan Keluarga Dengan Kepatuhan Diet Pada Pasien Gagal Ginjal Kronik Yang Menjalani Hemodialisis. Jurnal Endurance, 2(3), 416.

Moran, P. J., Christensen, A. J., Ehlers, S. L., & Bertolatus, J. A. (1999). Family environment, intrusive ideation, and adjustment among renal transplant candidates. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 21(4), 311–316.

Patel, S. S., Peterson, R. A., & Kimmel, P. L. (2005). The impact of social support on end-stage renal disease. Seminars in Dialysis, 18(2), 98–102.

Perceived family support study in ESRD transplant recipients (Year unspecified). Investigates how support buffers depression in high physical dysfunction.

Ruza, A. F. N., Sugiyanto, E. P., & Kandar. (2017). Hubungan Mekanisme Koping dengan Tingkat Depresi Pada Pasien Gagal Ginjal Kronik yang Menjalani Hemodialisa di RSUD Dr. H. Soewondo Kendal. Jurnal Ilmu Keperawatan, 9, 1–13.

Semaan, V., Noureddine, S., & Farhood, L. (2018). Prevalence of depression and anxiety in end‑stage renal disease: A survey of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Applied Nursing Research, 43, 80–85.

Sun, R. (Year unspecified). Worry about Medical Care, Family Support, and Depression of the Elders in Urban China. Study cited in Wikipedia.

Timmermans, I. A. L., & Widdershoven, J. (Year unspecified). Lower education associated with major depression. Referenced in BMC Psychiatry.

Wulandari, R. A., Maulidia, R., & Firdaus, A. D. (2022). The Relationship Between Family Support and Depression among Patient with Renal Failure Patients. The Journal of Palembang Nursing Studies, 1(2), 34–39.

Ye, X. Q., Chen, W. Q., Lin, J. X., Wang, R. P., Zhang, Z. H., Yang, X., & Yu, X. Q. (2008). Effect of social support on psychological‑stress‑induced anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 65(2), 157–164.

Johnstone, S. et al. (2014). Social worker‑driven program to reduce hemodialysis therapy non‑adherence. Renal Business Today.

Boyd, S., Dunn, D., Aebel‑Groesch, K., Remington, J., & McCool, M. (2015). Symptom Targeted Intervention decreased missed treatment in hemodialysis patients. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting, Charlotte, NC.

McCool, M., Rathjen, M., Boyd, B. (2015). Qualitative pilot study on the value of Symptom Targeted Intervention (STI) in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety with renal and transplant patients. British Renal Society Annual Conference.

Johnstone, S., Li, N., Maddux, F., Weissman‑Hunt, A., Quintana, D., Lacson Jr., E. (2014). Treating depression in the dialysis setting: validating Symptom Targeted Intervention. DaVita Inc./STI Innovations.

Gardia et al. (2023). Prevalence of depression; gender differences; family support associated referenced in BMC Psychiatry.

Pevrol et al. (Year unspecified). Family support as a predictor of major depression severity in CKD. Referenced in BMC Psychiatry.