Psychosocial outcome following kidney donation: A single-center experience

Previous studies have reported wide ranges in the prevalence of post-donation anxiety, depression, and regret in living kidney donors (LKDs), with uncertain risk factors. We performed a cross-sectional study on the psychological status of former kidney donors. We aimed to determine the psychological characteristics of kidney donors compared to healthy controls. Methods. Various tests were applied to 92 living kidney donors and a control group with similar characteristics. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) forms used to collect data on the psychological status and quality of life (QL) of the donors. Results. Donors had a higher General QL score (p=0.020). There were no significant differences between donors and control groups in terms of depression, anxiety, mood, Physical QL, Psychological QL and Environment QL scale. Female donors had higher trait anxiety compared to male donors (p=0.027). Level of State Anxiety, Positive Affect, Social Relations QL, and Environment QL was higher in females. There were no statistically significant differences between female and male donors. Positive affect scores (β = -0.221 (-0.403 - -0.040)) and Psychological QL (β = -0.131 (-0.250 -0.011)) were associated with lower depression scores, while negative affect scores associated with higher depression scores(β=0.201 (0.022 -0.381). Conclusions. As the psychological status of former kidney donors was no worse than controls, carefully selected donors may not be associated with the psychological burden.