Publication

Abstract : Organ transplantation (OT) has emerged as a life saving measure for patients with end stage organ failure. The waiting period for OT is perceived by the patient and family as the most psychologically stressful time in the whole transplant experience. Objectives: to identify depression and its risk factors among patients waiting for solid organ transplantation. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was done in a conveniently selected 60 subjects who are waiting for renal/liver transplantation in AIMS, Kochi. The tools used were Socio demographic & illness related variables questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory (to assess depression) and a checklist to assess the Risk factors of depression. Results: Clinical depression was observed in 23.4% of the sample. Also a considerable proportion of the sample (41.6%) had mild mood disturbance. Depression was seen more in prospective liver transplantation candidates. Variables like male gender, lack of family support, family history of depression, history of stressful life events and presence of co-morbid medical conditions were identified as the risk factors of depression among patients waiting for solid organ transplantation. Conclusion: Patients waiting for solid organ transplantation experience borderline to severe levels of depression. Patients waiting for liver transplantation experience more depression than those who are waiting for renal transplantation.