Psychological distress and health-related quality of life among Nigerian adults with chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional study using the SRQ-20 and WHOQOL-BREF

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress (PD) and impaired health-related qualityof life (HRQoL) are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but subSaharan African evidence remains limited. We assessed PD, HRQoL, andassociated factors among Nigerian adults with CKD.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 304 adults with CKDsystematically sampled from nephrology clinics at a Nigerian tertiary hospital.PD was assessed using the SRQ-20 (≥10 indicating probable PD) and HRQoLusing the WHOQOL-BREF (prespecified study-defined overall score <60indicating poor HRQoL). Multivariable logistic regression identifiedassociated factors.Results: Mean age was 53.5±16.3 years; 52.6% were male. Overall, 35.9%screened positive for probable PD, while 50.3% met the prespecified studydefined criterion for poor HRQoL. Advanced CKD, CKD duration ≥1year,unmarried status, and low income were independently associated with probablePD; advanced CKD, older age, low income, and probable PD wereindependently associated with poor HRQoL.Conclusions: Screen-positive probable psychological distress and poorHRQoL were common among Nigerian adults with CKD. Their associationswith advanced disease and socioeconomic vulnerability highlight theimportance of considering psychosocial well-being alongside conventionalclinical measures in CKD care.