Life situation and quality of life in young adult kidney transplant recipients

Background. Young adults, 18–35 years of age, may be morevulnerable to chronic diseases than other age groups. In thisstudy we describe the life situation and lifestyle of youngadult kidney transplant recipients and compare their health-relatedquality of life (HRQoL) with a general population sample. Methods. Questionnaires, including items on life situation,lifestyle, and the SF-36 HRQoL questionnaire, were mailed toall 280 renal transplant recipients in Norway between 18 to35 years of age at the time of investigation of whom 131 (47%)responded. For comparison, we used 2,360 respondents aged 18to 35 years from a general population survey in one Norwegiancounty. SF-36 scores are presented with unadjusted scores andthe mean difference between groups adjusted for age, sex andeducation using multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The kidney transplant recipients reported high participationrates in cultural and sports activities, and the majority ofthem were satisfied with their work. A larger proportion ofthe transplant recipients had attained university educationthan the general population sample. However, 25% of the totalgroup were not integrated in professional life. The transplantrecipients scored lower than the general population on sevenof the eight SF-36 scales and the two summary scales after adjustingfor age, sex and education. Conclusions. The majority of young adult kidney recipients aged18–35 years were well adapted in their family and professionallife and satisfied with their current life situation. However,in aggregate they reported lower HRQoL on most scales of theSF-36 than a general population sample.