Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Depressionand Anxiety Disorders among Caregivers of Kidney Patients on Dialysis in Nairobi County

Abstract

This study focused on depression and anxiety among family caregivers (FCGs) of dialysis patients. Studies have shown that this population has an onerous caregiving burden with the patient requiring much care due to the unique demands of kidney failure. This leads to depression and anxiety in the FCGs which requires psychological intervention. Available interventions have constituted mainly of education on renal disease and very little on psychotherapeutic treatments for the FCGs. Therefore, this study tested a model of psychotherapy referred to as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Using a convenience sample in various hospitals in Nairobi, this quasi-experiment determined the severity of depression and anxiety among the FCGs, their social demographics (and those of their patients) and how these characteristics associated with the mental disorders in question. The sample had an experimental (n=49) and a control group (n=47). The participants were assessed using various psychological tools and a researcher-generated socio-demographic questionnaire. Only those who had depression and anxiety were included in the study. Assessments were done at baseline, midline and endline. Only the experimental group received the CBT. Data was analysed using inferential statistics. Chi-square, t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare the distribution of different variables within and between the study groups. Regressions were done to test the strength of associations between the variables. The results revealed that the FCGs had moderate depression and anxiety with an 85% comorbidity rate. Gender, residence with the patients, doing business while caregiving and education level of the patients were positively associated with depression and anxiety. CBT was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety, from moderate to mild and normal. Hence, CBT was recommended as part of the treatment protocols for ESKD.