The effect of immunosuppression therapy on activities of daily living and comfort level after liver transplantation

Abstract

Objectives This study was carried out to investigate the effect of immunosuppression therapy on activities of daily living and comfort level after liver transplantation. Materials and methods This study was conducted in a descriptive and correlational type with the participation of 148 liver transplant patients hospitalized in the liver transplant center of a university hospital. Personal Information Form, Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale and General Comfort Questionnaire were used in data collection. The data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics 25. Results According to the results obtained from the study, it was determined that 31.1% of the patients were 58 years old and over, 20.9% of them were between 48‐ and 57 years old, and 81.8% of them were male. It was found that 61.5% of the patients were between the 11th and 21st days after transplantation and 26.4% of them were given oxygen with a non-invasive catheter. It was determined that the patients were semi-independent in activities of daily living and had a moderate comfort level. Conclusions It is not always possible for liver transplant patients to effectively deal with their condition. The low comfort level and quality of life of patients who have undergone liver transplantation should be noticed, and social, economic and psychological support should be provided.