Time is (not) on my side: time-related factors and distress after heart transplantation

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of distress among adult heart transplant (HTx) recipients in relation to their age, years of age at the moment of surgery and number of years they live after HTx. Method: 108 HTx patients (age range 19-75; M=52,68; SD=14,35; 11(10,18%) F/ 97(89,82%)M; 1-24 years after HTx) filled out self-report questionnaire assessing mental well-being (General Health Questionnaire - 28). Data was analyzed using Student’s t statistic, one-way ANOVA and Gabriel's Pairwise Comparisons Test. Results: Older patients shown significantly higher level of overall distress (p<0,01), somatic symptoms (p<0,01), anxiety with insomnia (p<0,05 ) and social dysfunctions (p<0,05). Patients who had HTx in older age reported higher prevalence of overall distress (p<0,001), social dysfunctions (p<0,05) and depression (p<0,05). Those who lived longer with heart transplant shown higher level of social dysfunctions (p<0,05). Conclusions: Among heart transplant recipients time-related factors can be related to the level of distress. Interventions performed by transplant team should be more focused on older patients and those who live longer with a new organ to prevent developing psychopathology symptoms.