Comparison of health anxiety levels and quality of life of living donors before and after liver transplant surgery: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Partial liver transplantation is one of the standard methods for liver transplantation. This surgical procedure is performed from a living person to a sick person, which can lead to physical and mental challenges affecting the quality of life of donors.

Objective: To compare the level of health anxiety and quality of life of liver donors before and after liver transplant surgery.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 45 liver donor patients referred to Shiraz Organ Transplant Hospital. Standard questionnaires of demographic information, health anxiety and quality of life were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics tests were used to analyses the data.

Results: Patients' quality of life score (in comparison with the overall score and with the subgroups) decreased significantly (p = 0.001) after liver donation. Also, patients' health anxiety scores (in comparison with the overall score and with the subgroups) increased significantly after surgery (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The implementation of awareness programs before and after surgery and purposeful and long-term follow-up, as well as the use of empowerment programs to increase the level of health and quality of life of these people can be a comprehensive and appropriate approach for hospital officials in order to improve health and quality of life after organ donation.