Quality of life and coping: differences between patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and those under hospital hemodialysis

Objective: To compare satisfaction with life and quality of life in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hospital hemodialysis (HHD) and to analyze their relationship with coping strategies. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 61 patients aged<70 years old under HHD and 32 patients receiving CAPD. We applied the Charlson Index, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Stai-R), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the MOS Social Support Survey, and the Short-Form 36 questionnaire for quality of life. Coping strategies, perceived control and satisfaction with life were also analyzed. Statistical analyses were adjusted by differences in age and sex. Results: Women accounted for 35.5% of the patients. The mean age was 54 years. The CAPD group was younger and had a higher proportion of women. Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were similar in patients receiving HHD and in those receiving CAPD. The use of psychoactive drugs was higher in the CAPD group than in the HHD group (38% vs. 13%; p<0.01). The CAPD group scored significantly higher in strategies of seeking help, emotional regulation skills, problem resolving and distraction. No differences were found in social support between the two groups. No significant differences were found in the physical or mental components or in the seven dimensions of the SF-36. Satisfaction with life was higher in the CAPD group (7.12 versus 6.21; p = 0.07). Conclusions: No differences in the perception of quality of life were found between patients receiving the two modalities. The CAPD group tended to show greater satisfaction with life and more adaptive coping strategies (emotional regulation and search for meaning), suggesting that these patients may have greater acceptance and control over the disease process.(C) 2008 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.