• Patients on CAPD fall below national norms on all
HRQOL subscales, particularly in terms of social
functioning. Thus, one of the greatest stressors from
the illness appears to be the change that it imposes
on the social role functioning of patients and how
that imposition subsequently influences mental
health. Caregivers of CAPD patients fall below
national norms for the HRQOL dimensions of mental
health and social functioning. That result indicates
that the caregiver population is also in need
of coping interventions geared to improving mental
health.
• Age is related to increased burden and decreased
HRQOL among patients and caregivers.
• Increased burden is significantly related to decreased
HRQOL among caregivers, particularly in
terms of general health, mental health, and
vitality.