Comparison of anxiety, depression, and quality of life between organ transplant candidates and recipients

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) among kidney or liver transplant candidates and recipients. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. The 160 subjects were recruited and assigned to three different conditions: awaiting transplant group; posttransplantation (TPL) group within less than one year of surgery; and post-TPL group with one year and no more than two years post surgery. The levels of anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The level of quality of life was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 version 2. Results: The anxiety score was significantly higher in the waiting group compared with the 1~2 years post TPL group. The depression score was significantly higher in the waiting group compared with the post TPL groups. The QOL was significantly lower in the waiting group compared with the post TPL groups. Conclusion: Our results show a high prevalence of anxiety and depression and a marked reduction in the QOL in transplant candidates compared to the recipients. This study indicates that the group waiting for transplants may have unmet needs during that time period. Health professionals should be encouraged to attend to the psychological distress of the transplant candidates in order to improve their quality of life. © 2012 Korean Society of Adult Nursing.