A retrospective study of the relationship between chronological age and the self-perceived quality of life among renal dialysis patients through administration and measurement by the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between chronological age and the self-perceived quality of life among renal dialysis patients through administration and measurement by the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Further, this study also sought to determine if there were differences between race and gender with regards to perceived quality of life among renal dialysis patients.; A sample of 70 patients from an urban midwestern dialysis clinic had previously completed the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire in 2004. Results indicated that older patients had a lower physical quality of life (physical component score) than younger patients. Results also showed that African-American patients had a higher mental quality of life (mental component score) than Caucasian patients. There were no differences in physical or mental component scores based on gender. There were also no differences in mental component scores based on age, and no differences on physical component scores based on gender.; The results of this study can be used to benefit practitioners to better understand their elderly renal dialysis patients and to develop methods in which to better assist them in coping with their condition. Continued research could aid renal dialysis patients with improving quality of life.