Nearly 40% of people with late-stage kidney disease or on dialysis experience depression. This is almost 10 times higher than the general population where the rate of depression is around 4.4%. Moreover, almost 40% of dialysis patients are women and evidence suggests women may experience the symptoms of depression more strongly than men.  

Depression among kidney disease patients can have numerous effects on their healthcare and quality of life, including potential increases in the risk of hospitalization, poor compliance with treatment, poor nutrition, and more. Yet, the effects and impact of depression among women receiving dialysis is widely understudied.  

Understanding the impact and differences of depression on women undergoing dialysis can lead to the development of new tools and strategies to improve quality of life of these patients. 

Researchers from the University of Alberta are aiming to address this knowledge gap by interviewing dialysis patients who are women to understand their lived experience with depression and kidney disease. Eligible individuals will participate in one 45-60-minute structured interview with a member of the study team via online video conferencing platforms.  

This study is available in English only and will close on March 1, 2025.