The experiences of loneliness, depression, and social support of Turkish patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and their caregivers

Aim. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between loneliness, depression and social support of Turkish patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and their caregivers. Background. By altering the lifestyle of the patient and family or caregiver, chronic illness and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis can create loneliness and depression. Perceived social support may facilitate coping with illness. Design. Descriptive corelational design was used. Methods. Data were collected by using the UCLA loneliness scale, the Beck's depression scale and the perceived social support from family and friends scales and demographic data form. Results. A total of 130 subjects including 65 patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and 65 caregivers took part in this study. The mean ages of the patients and caregivers were similar (44.69 +/- 17.22 and 43.90 +/- 8.52 years respectively). Scores of loneliness and depression were below cut-off scores in both groups. However, scores of the loneliness of patients were higher than that of the caregivers. Perceived social support from family and friend were above cut-off scores in both groups and it was different for patients and caregivers. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that Turkish patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and their caregivers did not experience loneliness and depression. Relevance to clinical practice. Results of the study suggest that the nurses need to be aware of patients' and caregivers' psychological reactions to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, which may be expressed in feelings of loneliness and depression, and employ social support resources for patients with peritoneal dialysis and caregivers to cope with their illness and to adapt lifestyle changes.