Identification of Potential Mediators Between Depression and Fluid Adherence in Older Adults Undergoing Hemodialysis Treatment

Controlled fluid intake is an important aspect of living with end stage renal disease (ESRD), and is complicated by depression, the most common mental health issue affecting individuals with ESRD. Factors that mitigate the deleterious effects of depression are underexplored. This study sought to identify potential mediators between depression and fluid adherence in 107 individuals with ESRD aged 50 years and older by comparing four logistic regression models. Age was associated with an increase in fluid adherence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.02-1.14), whereas depression was associated with a decrease in fluid adherence (AOR=0.82, 95% CI=0.67-0.99), but when self-efficacy was entered into the model, the association between depression and fluid adherence weakened. Findings suggest that self-efficacy and age are important factors in fluid adherence, and self-efficacy can potentially mediate the negative effects of depression in older adults with ESRD.