Quality of life (QOL) is an important indicator of quality of healthcare. Measuring QOL and its correlates for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is important for public health policy, intervention, and clinical decision-making. Data from 62 patients treated at 6 dialysis centers were collected using short form (SF)-36. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between QOL and several covariates. Results indicated most patients were ≥ 60 years old (51.6%), retired (40.3%), diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) > 1 year (82.3%), with diabetes as primary cause of ESRD (38.7%), and performing daily dialysis (77.4%). After adjustment of covariates, males (β = 19.03, p = 0.0001) scored on average 19.03 higher on QOL than females. Patients 41 - 60 years (β = 11.4, p = 0.018) scored on average 11.4 higher than those ≥ 60 years. Kuwaitis (β = -9.61, p = 0.057) scored on average 9.61 lower than non-Kuwaitis. Patients living with family/others (β = 13.02, p = 0.076) scored on average 13.02 higher than those living alone. Patients satisfied with their dialysis (β = 28.37, p = 0.001) scored on average 28.37 higher than non-satisfied patients. Performing dialysis at home (β = -15.52, p = 0.006) resulted in an average decrease of 15.52 in QOL compared with those in dialysis centers. Finally, patients with diabetes as the primary cause of ESRD (β = -9.8, p = 0.047) saw an average 9.8 decrease in QOL compared with patients with other ESRD causes. Gender, age, nationality, living status, satisfaction and place of dialysis, and causes of ESRD are independent predictors of QOL. Healthcare providers should pay more attention to females, those living alone, and those older than 60 years. Patients performing PD at home should have assistance from a nurse or health practitioner.
Keywords: ESRD; SF-36; multiple linear regression.
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