Stress, coping, and quality of life in adult kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify specific stressors and coping strategies identified by adult kidney transplant recipients in the first 6 months after transplantation. Quality of life was used as the outcome measure. Subscales were rationally constructed based on literature review and logic for both the stress and coping scales. Health-related items were identified as most stressful including uncertainty about whether the transplant will be a success and concern about risk of infections and/or viruses. Work-related items were least stressful. Strongly endorsed coping strategies included items on the Distancing/detachment and Self-control/accepting responsibility subscales. Quality of life scores were significantly higher after the transplant than before. Total stress was the important predictor of quality of life before transplant. Both total stress and total coping were important predictors of quality of life after transplant. The expanded transplant nursing role provides an opportunity to identify stressors and suggest appropriate coping strategies early in the transplant experience.