title: Comparison of health-related quality of life between patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease and patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compared health-related quality of life in patients with early to mid-stage chronic kidney disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study utilized a comparative descriptive design. Patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were recruited from a hospital in Korea. Information from patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease was obtained from Korean national survey data. A total of 75 pairs were matched using the propensity score method. Health-related quality of life was compared using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 4% of patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease are aware of their disease. These patients have decreased mobility and ability to perform their usual activities (χ(2)  = 10.77, P = 0.001; χ(2)  = 7.22, P = 0.007, respectively). However, they have lower levels of anxiety and depression than patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (χ(2)  = 13.37, P < 0.001). The European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions utility scores do not differ between the two patient groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that more effective management programs are needed to improve health-related quality of life in patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease. Educational intervention in asymptomatic patients is important to increase awareness and early detection of chronic kidney disease.
authors.affiliation: Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Suk Jeong
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Heesook
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Son
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: chronic kidney disease; continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; health-related quality of life