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Great expectations? Pre‐transplant quality of life expectations and distress after kidney transplantation: A prospective study
Author(s) -
Schulz Torben,
Niesing Jan,
Homan van der Heide Jaap J.,
Westerhuis Ralf,
Ploeg Rutger J.,
Ranchor Adelita V.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1111/bjhp.12081
Subject(s) - optimism , distress , quality of life (healthcare) , transplantation , kidney transplantation , medicine , prospective cohort study , dialysis , observational study , peritoneal dialysis , psychology , clinical psychology , physical therapy , social psychology , nursing
Objectives Previous research suggests that prior to kidney transplantation, patients overestimate their post‐transplant quality of life ( Q o L ). The current study aimed to corroborate these findings, identify determinants of Q o L overestimation, examine its association with subsequent distress, and clarify the role of optimism. Design Prospective observational study. Methods Physical, psychological, and social Q o L expectations, actual Q o L , and distress ( GHQ ‐12) of participants (56% male) were prospectively assessed before (T0; n = 228) and 3 (T1; n = 149), 6 (T2; n = 146), and 12 (T3; n = 114) months after successful transplantation. Results Patients who were treated with haemodialysis before transplantation reported greater physical Q o L overestimation than those who received treatment with peritoneal dialysis. Neither physical nor social Q o L overestimation at T1 was prospectively associated with increased distress at T2 or T3. The interaction between optimism and social Q o L overestimation at T1 (β = −.56, p < .001) for distress at T2 was significant, with patients low in optimism experiencing more distress after Q o L overestimation. Conclusions Q o L overestimation is not associated with subsequent distress. Findings suggest that patients low in optimism are more vulnerable to distress following Q o L overestimation. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject?Kidney transplantation improves patients' quality of life. Prior to kidney transplantation, patients overestimate the scale of this improvement.What does this study add?Quality of life overestimation is not associated with subsequent distress. When optimism is low, kidney transplant recipients experience higher distress following quality of life overestimation.