An investigation of Quality of life in Kidney Transplant Patients

Aimes: In renal replacement therapies, the goal is not only prolonging life and maintaining health, but also maintaining and improving the quality of life. This study seeks to "evaluate the quality of life of kidney transplant patients." This cross-sectional investigation, which was performed in 2009 in Tehran, studied 220 patients with kidney transplant and was conducted by the method of convenience sampling. Data collection tools include a demographic data collection form and a questionnaire which measured quality of life (SF-36). Data were analyzed log SPSS14 statistical software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests. The mean quality of life in these patients was 60.6 ± 18.7, the highest and lowest scores respectively on the pain scale were 66.27 ± 28.84, and working limitations due to physical disabilities were 46.67 ± 36.91. A significant relation was found between the overall quality of life score and gender (p=0.001). However, no significant relation was observed between the overall quality of life score and other demographic variables (p>0.05). The patients’ average quality of life, in this study, was a bit more than medium. Regarding transplant expenses and psychological and financial pressures on patients and their families, it seems vital to recognize the difficulties and impediments that the patients confront in their lives.