Sleep Quality and Related Factors Among Liver Transplant Recipients in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Investigation of Sleep Quality and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Liver transplant recipients experience many uncertainties after transplantation. Also, sleep problems are common among them. This study aimed to examine intolerance of uncertainty and sleep quality in liver transplant recipients. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 117 liver transplant recipients followed in the outpatient clinic of a liver transplant center. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and clinical features form, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index between May and September in 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The recipients had a high mean score of 41.04 ± 13.11 (min-max: 12-60) on the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12. Age was predictive of uncertainty. Indeed, young recipients had higher intolerance of uncertainty. The recipients had a low score of 7.33 ± 3.57 (min-max: 1-21) on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The prevalence of sleep problems was 65%. Experiencing complications after transplantation was predictive of and worsened sleep quality. The sleep quality of the recipients had no relation with intolerance of uncertainty and inhibitory anxiety, but it had a relation with prospective anxiety.

Sleep Patterns in Patients After Solid Organ Transplantation Including Gender and Age Differences. Survey Results From One Transplantation Centre in Poland

INTRODUCTION

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining health. Transplant patients are exposed to numerous stressors and are at risk of sleep disturbances. The aim of this study was to assess the sleep patterns of transplant patients.

METHODS

An anonymous paper survey was carried out among patients from one transplant center in Poland. Respondents were asked about the quality and quantity of sleep and the overall impact of the transplantation on their night rest. Data were collected from June to November 2023.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 212 respondents (122 males and 90 females), aged 48.38 ± 13.68. The positive impact of transplantation on sleep hygiene was indicated by 57.4% of respondents, 28.9% observed no impact, and 13.6% rated the impact as negative. Our study showed that sleep is more satisfying in males than in females (62.8% of males and 46.7% of females). The analysis revealed that 38.9% of females need 30 minutes more than men to fall asleep. Additionally, females tend to get up half an hour later compared to men. About 71.9% of males declared good well-being the next day compared to 62.2% of females. Furthermore females declared more sleepiness the next day. The study also showed that older transplant recipients (over 50 years-of-age) report more frequent awakenings at night.

CONCLUSIONS

The data collected showed differences in sleep patterns according to gender and age. Females and older patients should be screened for sleep disturbances during post-transplantation care.