Explaining the Quality of Life of Organ Transplant Patients by Using Crisis Theory. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denny, Bianca; Kienhuis, Mandy; Gavidia-Payne, Susana
• Is Part Of: Progress in transplantation. Volume 25:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; Transplantation; Organ Procurement; Tissue Donors; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 362.1783
• DOI: 10.7182/pit2015904
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1526-9248

Abstract

Context—: Ubiquitous findings regarding the quality of life (QOL) of transplant patients have yet to be explained from a theoretical perspective. Objective—: To investigate transplant patients' QOL by using the conceptual framework of crisis theory. Design—: Cross-sectional study to explore differences in transplant patients' experiences of stress, coping, and QOL. Regression analysis was used to test crisis theory in relation to QOL, stress, and coping. Participants—: A total of 226 participants representing transplant candidates, transplant recipients, and nontransplant individuals participated via survey-based data collection. Results—: Results showed that transplant candidates experience lower QOL than transplant recipients and nontransplant individuals. No significant differences were detected regarding stress levels or coping styles. Stress made a significant contribution to patients' QOL. Conclusions—: Current findings suggest important QOL benefits of organ transplant. Using a theoretical model is an effective way to investigate the QOL of people experiencing chronic illness such as end-stage organ failure. Further investigation is required to reach a conclusive understanding of the complex interaction between transplant patients' QOL, stress, and coping.