J Korean Soc Transplant.  2013 Jun;27(2):49-56.

The Effects of Symptom Distress, Social Support, and Work Change on Liver Transplant Recipients

• Sim MK
• Jeon KO
• Kim SI

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing quality of life (QOL) in liver transplant recipients.
METHODS
The subjects of this study were 103 liver recipients who received their follow-up more than 3 months after liver transplantation at one general hospital in Seoul. A questionnaire survey was perfomed from September 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012. QOL and factors were evaluated using SF-36, Transplant Symptom Distress Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.
RESULTS
Symptom distress, work change after transplant, duration after transplant were significant factors influencing QOL (Cum R2=0.39, F=19.34, P<0.001). Symptom distress was the most important factors related QOL. There were significant differences in QOL according to general characteristics such as education (t=2.16, P=0.033), work change after transplant (t=3.67, P=0.000), duration after transplant (t=2.25, P=0.027), and economic status (t=3.08, P=0.027).
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, symptom distress had an influence on the QOL of liver transplant recipients. Thus, it is necessary to develop interventions for symptom distress to improve the QOL of liver transplant recipients.

Keyword

Quality of life; Symptom distress; Liver transplantation

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Hospitals, General
Liver
Liver Transplantation
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Transplants