The role of body image integrity and posttraumatic growth in kidney transplantation- A 3-year longitudinal study

9^th International Conference on Dialysis and Renal Care

August 18-19, 2016 London, UK

Melinda Latos, Zoltan Horvath, Edit Szederkenyi, Pal Szenohradszky, Marta Csabai and Gyorgy Lazar

University of Szeged, Hungary

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nephrol Ther

Abstract :

There is an increasing body of evidence proving that transplanted patients� perceptions of their disease and their body may have an influence on their physical recovery. Our study�s aim was exploring the role of body image, posttraumatic growth, and emotional state in recovery after transplantation. 53 kidney transplant patients were assessed using our Self- and Organ Drawing Test, the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a 3-year follow-up. Data were collected at the Department of Surgery where a psychologist is a member of the renal team. Psychological examination of patients took place between the postoperative 5th and 10th days and during a three-year period after transplantation Logistic regression analysis showed that lower levels of integrity of the body image and posttraumatic growth, and higher pre-discharge serum creatinine levels were significant predictors of graft rejection. Our results suggest that the integrity of the body image and posttraumatic growth might contribute to better health outcomes in organ transplantation. Besides the contribution to better understand the complex psychosomatic nature of the transplantation process, our study may also promote the development of supportive techniques which can enhance recovery in kidney transplant patients. This psychosocial intervention could be an effective means of addressing emotional problems (the psychological integration of the newly acquired kidney, fear of rejection), reduce emotional distress, and improve health behaviors among patients with kidney transplantation.

Biography :

Melinda Latos has completed her PhD from University of Pecs. She is working as Psychologist at Surgery Clinic, University of Szeged. She has published more than 6 papers in reputed journals.

Email: latosmeli@gmail.com