Depression and coping in candidates for kidney transplantation: Racial and ethnic differences

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Psychology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients awaiting kidney transplantation are at high risk for noncompliance.
• Racial and ethnic variations in coping mechanisms may influence noncompliance and health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial and ethnic differences in coping strategies among ESRD patients.
• To explore the relationship between depression and coping styles in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 288 adolescent and adult ESRD patients awaiting kidney transplantation was studied.
• Coping styles were assessed using the COPE inventory, and depression was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory.

Main Results:

• Hispanic and Black/Non-Hispanic subjects demonstrated more maladaptive coping and less adaptive coping compared to White/Non-Hispanic subjects.
• Black/Non-Hispanic subjects reported a higher incidence of physical depression symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Coping variations across racial and ethnic groups may underlie disparities in noncompliance and health outcomes for kidney transplant candidates.
• Targeted interventions addressing maladaptive coping in minority ESRD populations could improve transplant outcomes.