Determination of Variables Influencing the Quality of Life in Children with Liver Transplantation

Abstract

This clinical study examined various dimensions of the Quality of Life (QoL) in children who had undergone liver transplantation. Materials and Methods: The patient group (n=50) of the study consisted of children and their families where the child had received a liver transplant (possibly from their mother) in Ege University Organ Transplant Research Center. The control group (n=50) consisted of children and their families who did not undergo any organ transplants, did not have any health issues and were of similar age, gender and socioeconomic status with the members of the study group. The children in the study were examined with a QoL questionnaire named KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen (Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire). Results: The overall QoL and the QoL in the physical, emotional, self-esteem, family, friend, and school sub-categories as reported by the children themselves in the study group, in both the 8-12 and 13-16 year age groups were determined to be higher (p<0.05) when compared to those children in the control group. Similarly, the QoL for the children in the study group, as reported by their families were determined to be higher (p<0.05) when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Liver transplantation has effects on the QoL of both the children and their families.

Qualitative Study on the Influencing Factors and Countermeasures Against Job Burnout Among Organ Donation Coordinators

“…There is another person added to the transplant waiting list every 10 min and 20 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant (1). Most studies on factors affecting organ donation rates have examined informed consent policies, religious and cultural beliefs, cognition of death, and misunderstandings about donation, and issues related to the application process itself (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). However, little attention has focused on the high turnover of organ donation coordinators (8).…”