Explaining the Quality of Life of Organ Transplant Patients by Using Crisis Theory

Abstract

Context— Ubiquitous findings regarding the quality of life (QOL) of transplant patients have yet to be explained from a theoretical perspective. Objective— To investigate transplant patients' QOL by using the conceptual framework of crisis theory. Design— Cross-sectional study to explore differences in transplant patients' experiences of stress, coping, and QOL. Regression analysis was used to test crisis theory in relation to QOL, stress, and coping. Participants— A total of 226 participants representing transplant candidates, transplant recipients, and nontransplant individuals participated via survey-based data collection. Results— Results showed that transplant candidates experience lower QOL than transplant recipients and nontransplant individuals. No significant differences were detected regarding stress levels or coping styles. Stress made a significant contribution to patients' QOL. Conclusions— Current findings suggest important QOL benefits of organ transplant. Using a theoretical model is an effective way to investigate the QOL of people experiencing chronic illness such as end-stage organ failure. Further investigation is required to reach a conclusive understanding of the complex interaction between transplant patients' QOL, stress, and coping.