Quality of Life of Donors After Living Kidney Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Living kidney transplantation yields better outcomes for recipients than deceased donation, though it may present long-term challenges for donors. This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of living kidney donors in Greece using the SF-36 questionnaire and examined associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. This cross-sectional study included 242 clinically stable kidney donors from Laiko General Hospital's Kidney Donor Outpatient Clinic in Athens. Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and QoL were collected. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to identify associations between QoL scores and influencing factors. The majority of donors were female (73.55%). Donors reported high QoL, with median PCS and MCS scores of 55.27 (49.08-57.73) and 54.17 (46.64-59.93), respectively. Male donors had higher PCS and MCS scores than females (p = 0.028 and p = 0.004). Laparoscopic nephrectomy was associated with better mental health and physical outcomes compared to open surgery (p < 0.001). Higher education and eGFR correlated with better PCS scores, while older age negatively affected QoL (p < 0.05). Living kidney donors reported a satisfactory level of overall QoL post-donation. Lower QoL scores were correlated with the female gender, older age, and open nephrectomy. These findings may further reinforce support for our current organ donation policy. Non-modifiable factors appear to influence donor quality of life. These findings reinforce the current organ donation policy while emphasizing the need for careful pre-transplant counseling and ongoing monitoring post-donation.