Quality of Life of Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis in Dakar: A Senegalese Single Centre Experience

Introduction: Measuring the quality of life (QOL) in recent years has become an indispensable tool in monitoring patients suffering from chronic diseases. We conducted this study to assess QOL of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis in Dakar, and to identify associated factors. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which was carried out from 10 to 30 June, 2011 in the peritoneal dialysis unit at university hospital in Dakar. We included all patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) of any age, who were on PD since at least six months and who gave their consent. The QOL was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short-Form 1.2 (KDQoL-SF). Results: Sixteen patients were included with a mean age of 50.25 ± 13.48 years and a sex-ratio of 1.27. Considering SF-36, the overall mean score (SMG) was 60.11 ± 15.96 with a Mean Physical Component Summary Scale of 53.66 ± 16.98 and a Mental Component Summary Scale of 70.85 ± 6.14. Concerning the KDQoL-SF, the global mean score was 61.83 ± 19.35 with a mean physical score of 50.55 ± 16.52 and a mean mental score of 62.52 ± 21.53. The mean dialysis specific dimension score was 62.52 ± 21.53 and the mean mental health score was 85.93 ± 12.06. Age, weight, level of instruction and social support were correlated with a worse QOL. Conclusion: This study showed an alteration of our PD patients’ QOL, particularly in their physical health. However, the number of patients included in the study is not enough to permit a formal conclusion.