Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although living kidney transplantation has numerous advantages over cadaveric transplantation, donor apprehension remains a problem. This study investigated psychosocial features and quality of life in Chinese living kidney donors after transplantation procedures.

METHODS:

Participants were 84 donors interviewed during follow-up after donation. Sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated by a 22-item questionnaire. Social support, quality of life, depression, and anxiety were objectively measured with the Social Support Rating Scale for Chinese, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey, the modified Beck Depression Inventory, and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS:

All donors volunteered without pressure from families or recipients. Altruistic motives were the main impetus for donation, and donors had good social support. Living transplantation affected donors' quality of life, with a slight negative effect on some physical aspects. There were no major depressive or anxiety disorders following donation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Living kidney donation was a generally positive experience without evidence of major psychological disturbance. However, considering the limited size and duration of our study, we recommend careful follow-up of all donors. We also recommend provision of social support services and removal of financial disincentives for donors.

© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.