Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis experience a multidimensional impact that affects their quality of life. Additionally, they exhibit a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, which has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE. To analyze the quality of life and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in dialysis patients. METHOD. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 114 patients. The instruments used were the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) and the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life (KDQOL) questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from patient's medical records. Descriptive statistics, association measures, and correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS. Of the participants, 42.1% were female and 57.9% were male. Among hemodialysis patients, the prevalence rates for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were 30.8%, 34.6%, and 34.6%, respectively. For peritoneal dialysis patients, the prevalence rates were 41.7% for depression, 50% for anxiety, and 47.2% for stress. Patients undergoing both therapies had average scores below 50 points in both physical and mental health components. A significant association was found between physical and mental health components and the prevalence of symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSION. The findings on quality of life and mental health in patients undergoing dialysis highlight the need for a comprehensive, person-centered approach to provide nursing care that better supports patients in managing their disease and treatment.