Psychosocial and quality of life assessment in kidney transplant recipients: a focus on anxiety, depression, and clinical correlates

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) significantly improves survival and quality of life compared to dialysis, yet psychological disorders like anxiety and depression critically influence post-transplant outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical correlates, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impacts of anxiety and depression in Kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 161 adult Kidney transplant recipients at a tertiary care center assessed psychosocial and clinical parameters using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life − 36 (KDQOL-36). Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed with multivariate regression identifying predictors. Results: Abnormal anxiety and depression were observed in 24.3% and 9.9% of kidney transplant recipients, respectively. Anxiety correlated with elevated serum creatinine (r = 0.164, p = 0.039) and lower hemoglobin (r = -0.16, p = 0.043), while depression linked to lower hemoglobin (r = -0.172, p = 0.029) and longer transplant duration (r = 0.159, p = 0.045). Female gender, physical inactivity, psychiatric history, and higher creatinine independently predicted anxiety (all p < 0.05). Patients with abnormal anxiety or depression reported significantly poorer HRQoL, particularly in “burden of kidney disease” (65.17 ± 28.69) and mental health domains (44.85 ± 11.41). Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are prevalent in Kidney transplant recipients and strongly associated with clinical markers and impaired HRQoL. Routine psychosocial screening and targeted interventions, addressing anemia, physical activity, and mental health—are essential to optimize post-transplant care. Integrating biopsychosocial models into clinical practice may enhance adherence, graft survival, and quality of life in this vulnerable population. Clinical trial number: Not Applicable.