Functional Status, Role Performance in Organ Transplant Recipients, and the Caregiving Burden and Stress Imposed on Their Family Caregivers in the Post-Transplant Period: Tabriz 2022.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Organ transplantation involves the removal and transfer of tissue or an organ from one human body to another to restore damaged tissues or to replace non-functional organs that threaten the individual’s life. In this context, the transplantation of an organ from a family member may disrupt the roles of the individual and caregivers. These role changes can lead to role strain and role conflict within the family. This study aimed to determine the roles of organ transplant recipients, caregiving burden, and the stress imposed on their families during the post-transplant period. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 382 patients and their family caregivers. The study utilized available sampling, and data were collected using questionnaires assessing role performance, functional status, caregiving burden, and perceived stress. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression analysis, or its non-parametric equivalent, the Spearman correlation coefficient, using version 24 of SPSS statistical software. Results: The results indicated that the mean caregiving burden score among caregivers of transplant patients was 55.71±10.76. The mean and standard deviation of perceived stress scores among caregivers of transplant patients were 33.54±8.98, indicating a high degree of perceived stress among these caregivers. A total of 64.14% of the participants reported satisfactory functional status. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between caregiving burden and perceived stress. An inverse and significant correlation was found between functional status percentage scores and perceived stress and caregiving burden. However, no significant correlation existed between total role performance scores and perceived stress. An inverse and significant relationship was observed between total role performance scores and caregiving burden. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that perceived stress and caregiving burden among caregivers of transplant patients is high. Therefore, it is essential for health system managers and policymakers to implement supportive and intervention programs in this regard.