Posttraumatic Stress and Quality of Life in Kidney Transplantation Recipients

Previous research has shown that kidney transplantation is a stressful life event; traumatic stress or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may hinder posttransplant quality of life (QOL). This study explored whether PTSD symptoms predicted posttransplant QOL among a sample of 63 kidney transplant recipients from a large inner-city hospital. Data were collected 3 to 6 months after transplant, with psychometrically sound self-report measures. PTSD symptoms were common in this sample; 21% reported symptoms consistent with a PTSD diagnosis, and an additional 19% reported significant subthreshold PTSD symptoms. PTSD severity was independently associated with overall QOL and with the emotional reaction and social isolation subscales of the QOL measure. Results suggest that PTSD may affect posttransplant QOL for kidney transplant recipients.