The experience of donating and receiving a kidney: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Ong

et al. 2022

IJERPH

Background: Kidney failure is a global health problem with a worldwide mean prevalence rate of 13.4%. Kidney failure remains symptomless during most of the early stages until symptoms appear in the advanced stages. Kidney failure is associated with a decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), deterioration in physical and mental health, and an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with decreased HRQOL and other factors affecting the overall health of patients. Another objective was to measure how medication adherence and depression could affect the overall HRQOL in patients with kidney failure. Methodology: The study used a prospective follow-up mix methodology approach with six-month follow-ups of patients. The participants included in the study population were those with chronic kidney disease grade 4 and kidney failure. Pre-validated and translated questionnaires (Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Urdu Version, and Morisky Lewis Greens Adherence Scale) and assessment tools were used to collect data. Results: This study recruited 314 patients after an initial assessment based on inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study population was 54.64 ± 15.33 years. There was a 47.6% male and a 52.4% female population. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus remained the most predominant comorbid condition, affecting 64.2% and 74.6% of the population, respectively. The study suggested a significant (p < 0.05) deterioration in the mental health composite score with worsening laboratory variables, particularly hematological and iron studies. Demographic variables significantly impact medication adherence. HRQOL was found to be deteriorating with a significant impact on mental health compared to physical health. Conclusions: Patients on maintenance dialysis for kidney failure have a significant burden of physical and mental symptoms, depression, and low HRQOL. Given the substantial and well-known declines in physical and psychological well-being among kidney failure patients receiving hemodialysis, the findings of this research imply that these areas related to health should receive special attention in the growing and expanding population of kidney failure patients.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life, Medication Adherence, and Prevalence of Depression in Kidney Failure Patients

Ong

et al. 2022

IJERPH

“…In general, living kidney donors have psychosocial outcomes like quality of life that are the same or better after the donation and in comparison with non-donors [5]. Living donor may have to bear a financial burden (uncovered financial expenses and lost salary) [9,10] and difficulty organising their life during the donation period [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An intersectional gender analysis in kidney transplantation: women who donate a kidney

et al. 2021

Self Cite

Background Living-donor transplantation is the best treatment option in patients with chronic kidney failure. Global data show that women are less likely to be kidney recipients than men but are more likely to become living kidney donors. We explored the experience of women who donate a kidney to relatives with biological and socio-cultural ties and to understand the similarities and differences in their experience. Methods A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study with an intersectional analysis of gender. Ten women donors accepted in the transplant evaluation period participated, all of whom donated a kidney to a pre-dialysis relative. Two categories were included: women with biological kinship ties (mothers, sisters) and women who have a socio-cultural relationship (wives) with kidney recipient. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Women donate their kidneys in a convinced manner, without worrying about their health, with an optimistic and positive attitude, and without believing that they are acting heroically. Women with biological kinship ties see it as a ‘naturalization thing’. In contrast, wives donate conditioned by gender roles, but also as a form of empowerment and as a personal benefit: they donate in order to avoid taking on carer role for their husband and as a way of protecting their children. Conclusion The study’s findings expand the conception of kidney donation as solely altruistic and may help professionals to pay attention to the complexity and intersectionality of features present in women who are living kidney donors.

“…Finalmente, el estudio muestra que una vez la persona se ofrece como donante y empieza el proceso de evaluación, el sexo no influye en la toma de decisión. Tal y como se constata en una revisión sistemática 35 , la decisión para donar es rápida y convencida para mejorar la vida de una persona amada y evitar su entrada en diálisis.…”

Section: Discussionunclassified

Sexo y género en la donación de riñón: visiones desde la consulta

Rota-Musoll¹,

Brigidi²,

Molina-Robles³

et al. 2021

Enferm Nefrol

Self Cite

Introducción: En el trasplante renal de donante vivo son las mujeres las que donan con más frecuencia. Las profesionales de nefrología tienen un papel muy importante en la información sobre los tratamientos de sustitución renal y la ayuda en la toma de decisiones. Objetivo: Explorar cómo influye la perspectiva de género en el trasplante renal de donante vivo desde la visión de las profesionales de nefrología.Metodología: Estudio cualitativo fenomenológico. Participaron 13 profesionales de las Unidades de Nefrología y Trasplante Renal de Catalunya. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y se analizaron a través de un análisis temático. Resultados: Las opiniones y percepciones de las profesionales de nefrología se clasificaron a través de los siguientes temas: 1) manera de informar sobre los tratamientos; 2) donación habitual; 3) predisposición para donar y 4) actitud de la persona donante. Las mujeres se muestran más predispuestas a donar debido a los mandatos de género, además de las desigualdades en el mercado laboral. Cabe destacar que, la forma en la toma de decisión es igual para hombres y mujeres. Así mismo, las mujeres se muestran más preparadas psicológicamente y se recuperan más rápido del postoperatorio. Conclusiones: La feminización en la donación de riñón es la suma de factores médicos, socioculturales y económicos. Los roles de género influyen en las mujeres en sus actitudes y comportamientos a lo largo de todo el proceso de trasplante renal de vivo. Las profesionales de nefrología entrevistadas describen las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en la donación de riñón.