Influencing factors of quality-of-life for donors undergoing pediatric living related liver transplantation: a qualitative approach

Objective To explore the life experiences of donors undergoing pediatric living related liver transplantation and elucidate it’s the influencing factors of quality-of-life. Methods A qualitative study was performed with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Twelve living related liver transplantation donors were face-to-face interviewed by a semi-structured interview and 7-step Colaizzi method was applied for data analysis. Results Four domains and 9 sub-domains were summarized as follows: body disturbance (pain, discomfort & physical changes), sense of uncertainty (recipient-dependent sensitive, self-doubt & confusion under family pressure), role conflict (patient-carer & family-social) and contentment & gratitude (willing to sacrifice, living in the present & benefiting from social funds). Conclusions The levels of quality-of-life vary greatly in different donors. Body disturbance, sense of uncertainty, role conflict, contentment and gratitude are the major influencing factors of quality-of-life for donors undergoing pediatric living related transplantation. Key words: Child; Liver transplantation; Lving donor; Quality of life