Abstract
Background and aims: Hemodialysis (HD) is associated with patients’ onset and acceleration of sarcopenia progression. Sleep disorders and mental health issues potentially increase the risk of sarcopenia in patients. However, these associations have not been adequately evaluated in HD patients. Therefore, the current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression in HD patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of patients undergoing HD in two hospitals in Hamadan between May and July 2023. Demographic and socioeconomic information, along with data on depression, anxiety, and stress (using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items, DASS-21), sleep disorders (using the Athens Insomnia Scale), and SARC-F (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls) questionnaire were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using independent t tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient using Stata software version 14.
Results: The study included 150 HD patients (age range: 18-88 years; 54.67% male). The results revealed a sarcopenia prevalence rate of 41.3%. Demographic and socioeconomic factors such as gender and education level were found to be associated with sarcopenia. Moreover, positive associations were identified between sarcopenia and various indicators such as stress (r=0.27, P<0.001), anxiety (r=0.49, P<0.001), depression (r=0.39, P<0.001), and sleep disorders (r=0.30, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia among HD patients was observed to be high, particularly among females, less educated individuals, and those with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders.