A comparison of the quality of life reported by elderly whites and elderly blacks on dialysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare indicators of quality of life reported by elderly whites and elderly blacks on chronic dialysis.


METHODS
Survey of surviving patients from a previously identified prevalent cohort.


METHODS
58 dialysis facilities located throughout the state of Georgia.


METHODS
46 whites (mean age = 72) and 85 blacks (mean age = 70) on chronic dialysis > or = 3.5 years.


METHODS
Number of days in bed during past 3 months; number of nights hospitalized during past 6 months; score summarizing limitations in functional status; 10 dialysis symptoms/complaints; 9 indicators of subjective well-being.


RESULTS
Elderly whites, more than elderly blacks, complained of nausea, fatigue, and longer time to recover following a hemodialysis treatment. Whites also were more likely than blacks to perceive kidney failure/dialysis as intrusive for their health and for their diet, to report health dissatisfaction, and to report life dissatisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Although blacks were more likely than whites to have diabetes as a primary diagnosis and blacks' educational level was lower than that of whites, all the statistically significant quality of life differences identified in this elderly cohort showed better quality of life among black patients than among white patients.
Kutner
N G
NG
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Devins
G M
GM
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*