Predictors of perceived health status in patients after kidney transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Patients after kidney transplantation have decreased mortality, morbidity and better quality of life compared to people on dialysis. Major efforts are being directed towards research into graft and patient survival. Research into quality of life is less intensive. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of perceived health status (PHS) in kidney transplant recipients.


METHODS
Out of 218 patients after kidney transplantation 138 participated in the study. Linear regression analysis was performed to predict PHS, measured with the SF-36 questionnaire, in three age categories (<40, 40-59, >or=60 years). Independent variables included social support (measured with the Social Support List Discrepancies questionnaire), sociodemographic and medical variables, side effects and compliance.


RESULTS
Predictors of better PHS in patients<40 years were better social support (P<or=0.001), lower creatinine (P<or=0.001) and lower stress from adverse effects (P<or=0.001). In the group of patients aged 40-59 years higher education (P<or=0.05), increased housekeeping activities (P<or=0.01) and lower stress from adverse effects (P<or=0.001) predicted better PHS. In the last age group predictors of better PHS were lower rate of dialysis (P<or=0.05) and posttransplant hospitalizations (P<or=0.01), absence of diabetes mellitus (P<or=0.01) and lower stress from adverse effects (P<or=0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Major differences exist in PHS among kidney transplant recipients depending on their age. Side effects of therapy are the most important predictor of PHS for all age groups. PHS of young patients mostly depends on their renal function and their social support. Education and working activities are most important for middle-aged people whereas in older patients PHS is mostly affected by comorbidity.
Rosenberger
Jaroslav
J
Nephrology and Dialysis Center, and Transplantation Department, University Hospital, Kosice, Slovak Republic. rosenberger_jaro@hotmail.com
van Dijk
Jitse P
JP
Nagyova
Iveta
I
Zezula
Ivan
I
Geckova
Andrea Madarasova
AM
Roland
Robert
R
van den Heuvel
Wim J A
WJ
Groothoff
Johan W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents