Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱

In the March 18-19, 2023, issue of WSJ, page C3 of the REVIEW section ran an article titled “For Long-Term Health And Happiness, Marriage Still Matters.” In this article by Brendan Case and Ying Chen, a new Harvard study shows that getting married is linked to significantly better physical and mental health for women. They also studied staying married versus getting divorced and found divorce was associated with consistently worse subsequent health and well-being, including greater loneliness and depression and lower levels of social integration. The research article published in the journal Global Epidemiology is linked here.

This got me musing about the correlation, if any, between dialysis and being married and/or getting divorced because of dialysis. I searched Google using terms like “marriage, divorce, and dialysis” and combinations without any real results – some feel-good articles, but nothing research worthy. I’m signed up for Chatbot 4.0 and asked it. With some editing on my part, this is what AI had to say.

Dialysis can significantly impact marriages due to the physical, emotional, and financial strain it puts on patients and their families. However, it’s important to note that while there may be a correlation between dialysis and divorce, correlation does not necessarily imply causation.

  1. Physical impact: Dialysis patients often experience fatigue, reduced energy levels, and restricted diets. This may limit their ability to participate in activities they used to enjoy with their spouse, which could potentially strain the relationship.
  2. Emotional impact: The stress of managing a chronic illness, attending frequent medical appointments, and facing an uncertain future can lead to anxiety and depression for both the patient and their spouse. Emotional support is crucial, but both partners may struggle to cope with the changes in their lives.
  3. Financial impact: The cost of dialysis treatments, medications, and related healthcare expenses can significantly burden a family. This may lead to disagreements over finances and additional stress within the marriage.
  4. Time commitment: Dialysis treatments can be time-consuming, especially for in-center hemodialysis patients. This may reduce the quality time couples spend together, negatively affecting their relationship.
  5. Intimacy and sexual health: Dialysis can change body image, self-esteem, and sexual function. These factors may contribute to decreased sexual intimacy, which can strain a marriage.

Not all marriages experience these challenges to the same extent, and some couples may become even stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals, as well as open communication and empathy, can help couples navigate the difficulties of living with dialysis.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific correlation between dialysis and divorce, research has shown that chronic illness, in general, can increase the risk of marital dissatisfaction and divorce. Each marriage is unique, and various factors contribute to the success or failure of a relationship. Therefore, it’s important to consider the individual circumstances of each couple when examining the impact of dialysis on their relationship.

References

  1. Kimmel, P. L., Cukor, D., Cohen, S. D., & Peterson, R. A. (2007). Depression in end-stage renal disease patients: A critical review. Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, 14(4), 328-334.
  2. Kimmel, P. L., Peterson, R. A., Weihs, K. L., Simmens, S. J., Alleyne, S., Cruz, I., & Veis, J. H. (2000). Multiple measurements of depression predict mortality in a longitudinal study of chronic hemodialysis outpatients. Kidney International, 57(5), 2093-2098.
  3. Song, M. K., Lin, F. C., Gilet, C. A., Arnold, R. M., Bridgman, J. C., & Ward, S. E. (2011). Patient perspectives on informed decision-making surrounding dialysis initiation. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 26(11), 3739-3744.
  4. Finkelstein, F. O., West, W., Gobin, J., Finkelstein, S. H., & Wuerth, D. (2010). End-of-life care for the end-stage renal disease patient: A nephrologist’s perspective. Clinical Nephrology, 74(Suppl 1), S61-S65.
  5. Trief, P. M., Grant, W., Elbert, K., & Weinstock, R. S. (1998). Family environment, glycemic control, and the psychosocial adaptation of adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 21(2), 241-245.
  6. Schmaling, K. B., & Sher, T. G. (2000). The psychology of couples and illness: Theory, research, and practice. American Psychological Association.

These references should provide some background information on the impact of chronic illness, including end-stage renal disease, on relationships. For the most recent and directly related research, I recommend searching academic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, or similar platforms.