Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome measure, especially for patients with chronic disease. Patients with end-stage renal failure require renal replacement therapy including peritoneal dialysis (PD). Compared to the younger patients, the elderly patients may have more difficulties in dealing with PD. This study aimed to assess the change in QoL in elderly patients following PD, and to determine the predictors of QoL change.
The QoL of elderly patients with end-stage renal failure improved significantly 3 months after commencement of PD. Improvement also occurred in general health perception, role limitation by emotional disturbance, disease-related symptoms, social functioning, and overall health rating. Predictors for QoL improvement included age, presence of a religious belief, and having a helper.

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