Depression, anxiety, and quality of life among kidney donors before and after the kidney donation: A prospective study from a tertiary care center in India.

BACKGROUND

Kidney donation is a significant procedure that can profoundly impact the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of renal donors. However, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding the specific effects of donation on the mental health and quality of life (QOL) of living kidney donors.

AIM

To evaluate and compare the levels of depression, anxiety, and QOL among living kidney donors before and after the donation procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study involving 50 consecutive living renal donors, assessing them before and 3 months after kidney donation. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), respectively. Furthermore, the QOL of kidney donors was compared using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

RESULT

The average age of kidney donors was 40.86 ± 8.59 years. Pre-transplant HAM-D and HAM-A scores showed significant negative correlations with post-transplant QoL domains (** < 0.001). Regression analysis highlighted pre-transplant HAM-D as a significant predictor of post-transplant depression ( = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Statistically significant differences in pre- and post-donation HAM-D and HAM-A scores were found, but clinical significance is crucial for interpreting real-world implications. Renal transplantation did not worsen mental health or QOL for donors post transplant, highlighting the importance of addressing pre-transplant depression and anxiety. Further research is needed to assess clinical significance and integrate mental health considerations into transplant care.