Open AccessReduced quality of life in living kidney donors: association with fatigue, societal participation and pre‐donation variables
Author(s) -
de Groot Ingrid B.,
Stiggelbout Anne M.,
van der Boog Paul J. M.,
Baranski Andrzej G.,
Marangvan de Mheen Perla J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
transplant international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1432-2277
pISSN - 0934-0874
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2012.01524.x
Subject(s) - medicine , donation , quality of life (healthcare) , health related quality of life , kidney donation , population , kidney transplantation , gerontology , physical therapy , demography , transplantation , environmental health , nursing , disease , economics , economic growth , sociology
Summary Health related quality of life (HRQoL) of living kidney donors on average is good, but some donors experience a low HRQoL after donation. This study assessed the prevalence of reduced HRQoL and explored associations with pre‐ and post‐donation variables. 316 donors (response rate 74%) who donated a kidney between 1997 and 2009 filled in a questionnaire. HRQoL was measured using the Short‐Form 36; fatigue using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory; societal participation using the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation‐Participation. Donors on average had better HRQoL than the general population. However, 12% had a reduced physical (PCS) and 18% a reduced mental (MCS) HRQoL. Donors with reduced HRQoL reported greater fatigue ( P < 0.01), lower societal participation ( P < 0.01) and showed a trend towards statistical significance in experiencing more donor–recipient relationship changes ( P = 0.07). Prior to donation, donors with reduced PCS had a higher BMI ( P < 0.05) and more often smoked ( P < 0.05). Donors with reduced MCS had higher expectations ( P < 0.05). Reduced HRQoL is associated with higher BMI, smoking and higher expectations prior to donation. These results may be used to develop a screening instrument to select donors at high risk for reduced HRQoL.