Sexual concerns among kidney transplant recipients

Background Little is known about the specific sexual concerns of kidney transplant ( KT x) recipients. The primary objectives of this study were to: (i) describe the importance of sexuality to KT x recipients; (ii) investigate the sexual concerns of KT x recipients; and (iii) examine the relationship between sexual concerns and quality of life ( QOL ). A secondary objective was to examine potential sexual concern differences by gender, pre‐transplant dialysis status, and donor type. Methods This study employed a cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design. Sexual concerns were identified using the Sexual Concerns Questionnaire, which contains seven subscales. QOL was measured with the SF ‐8 and the QOL Uniscale. Results Nearly 73% of subjects rated sexuality as important. Subscales indicating highest area of sexual concerns were communication with healthcare providers about sexuality (Mean (M) = 2.70) and sexual pleasure concerns (M = 2.45). Higher concern ratings regarding health consequences of sexual activity, quality of sexual relationship, sexual pleasure, sexual functioning problems, and pessimistic beliefs about treatment were significantly, inversely related to QOL . Women had significantly higher scores on the Sexual Pleasure and Communication with Healthcare Providers subscales than men. Conclusions This study reports the sexual concerns of KT x recipients' who are an average of four yr since surgery, and the relationship of these concerns to QOL .