Sign in Subscribe
Chronic kidney failure

Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Suffer from High Depression Rates in Saudi Arabia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Jeddah have conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of depression among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in Saudi Arabia. The study, published in Frontiers in Nephrology, found that a significant number of CKD patients experience psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact their health and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 95 CKD patients who met the CKD diagnostic criteria, with a predominance of male gender (58.9%) and those who were aged 60 years and above (50.5%).
  • Most patients were non-smokers (78.9%), and 45.3% were classified as non-obese patients. Comorbidities were widespread among these patients, especially hypertension (82.1%) and diabetes (74.7%).
  • The study found that 28.4% of patients were classified as having moderate depression, and the correlation between depression and physical activity (PCS12) and mental health (MCS12) was significantly negative.
  • Multiple linear regression analysis showed that depression was significantly associated with lower physical and mental capacity scores, alongside older age and female gender.
  • The study emphasized the substantial impact of depressive symptoms among obese patients, highlighting the interplay between mental health and chronic physical conditions.

Statistics:

  • 95 patients were included in the study.
  • 58.9% of patients were male.
  • 50.5% of patients were aged 60 years and above.
  • 78.9% of patients were non-smokers.
  • 45.3% of patients were classified as non-obese.
  • 82.1% of patients had hypertension.
  • 74.7% of patients had diabetes.
  • 28.4% of patients were classified as having moderate depression.
  • The median PHQ-9 score was 12.0.

Sources:

  • Quality of life and depression among chronic kidney disease patients: a tertiary care center cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Nephrology, 2025;5:1600296.
  • NewsRx. Researchers at University of Jeddah Detail Findings in Chronic Kidney Disease (Quality of life and depression among chronic kidney disease patients: a tertiary care center cross-sectional study). Mental Health Weekly Digest. November 3, 2025; p 137.

Read more