OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) on the lifestyle of elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Aspects of health-related quality of life (OL) were studied in 48 patients (16 men, 32 women) in end-stage chronic renal failure (ESRF) undergoing CAPD at the Clinic of Nephrology, Clinical Centre of Serbia. The first group comprised 20 adult patients (8 men, 12 women; age range: 35-59 years). The second group consisted of 28 older adult patients (8 men, 20 women; age range: 65-75 years). Mean length of CAPD treatment was 5.2 years in the first group and 3.67 years in the second group. Fifteen QL variables were investigated: marital status, family relationships, working ability, sleep, tiredness, appetite, wound healing, hobby, sports, friendships, sexual activity, mood, travel, self management, and happiness. RESULTS: The results showed that, in the examined groups, marital status and relationships with family members weren't influenced at all by dialysis. In both groups, CAPD had a negative influence on ability to bear cold and to travel, but other life functions were not significantly affected. Elderly patients had a significantly worse appetite (p = 0.03, Fisher test) and mood (p = 0.045, Fisher test) than did younger adults. In other examined variables, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of large, statistically significant differences between the groups suggests that CAPD has an equal influence on quality of life in younger and older adult patients.

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