Multidimensional Determinants of Frailty in Haemodialysis Patients: The Overlooked Roles of Depression and Cognitive Function.

AIM: This study aims to examine the level of frailty in patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment and investigate the effects of sociodemographic, psychological and clinical variables on frailty.

METHOD: A cross-sectional and correlational research design was employed with 386 haemodialysis patients over the age of 50. Data were collected using the Edmonton Frail Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Standardized Mini-Mental Test and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study revealed that 48.4% of haemodialysis patients fell into the 'apparently frail' category, and frailty levels were significantly associated with age, depression and cognitive functions (p < 0.05). However, no significant effect of gender, marital status, educational level, chronic diseases or personality traits on frailty was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Most haemodialysis patients were found to be apparently frail, with frailty levels increasing with age. Furthermore, frailty was linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower cognitive function. Evaluating depression and cognitive function is crucial for alleviating frailty symptoms and improving quality of life.