Objective: We aimed to examine the frequency of anxiety disorders and determine the associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among kidney transplant candidates at various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Material and Methods: A sample of 802 kidney transplant candidates undergoing at least one psychiatric assessment was included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed, and a comparison was made between individuals with and without anxiety disorders. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for anxiety disorders.
Results: The mean age of participants was 48±14 years, with a majority of male (76%) and residing in urban areas (74%). In the patient group, 18% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, often co-occurring with depression (5.6%) or other psychiatric disorders (5%). Sociodemographic factors that are significantly associated with anxiety disorders included female sex (26% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and non-employment (21% vs. 12%, p = 0.002). Clinical factors such as hemodialysis treatment (20% vs. 9%, p = 0.03), comorbid diseases (18% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.001), and a history of psychiatric illness (58% vs. 9%, p < 0.001) were also found significant. Multivariate analysis showed that female gender, hemodialysis therapy, comorbidities, and psychiatric history as independent risk factors for anxiety disorders.
Conclusions: The study reveals a notable prevalence of anxiety disorders in kidney transplant candidates, impacting quality of life and functionality. The findings highlight the importance of assessing psychosocial profiles in this population, considering factors such as employment, gender, and medical history. This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing anxiety disorders in kidney transplant candidates who are on the waiting list.