Reduced quality of life in living kidney donors: association with fatigue, societal participation and pre-donation variables.
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.
Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Ingrid B
IB
de Groot
Anne M
AM
Stiggelbout
Paul J M
PJ
van der Boog
Andrzej G
AG
Baranski
Perla J
PJ
Marang-van de Mheen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D019520:Living Donors; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome