1.Health-related quality of life and employment status of liver transplant recipients
Amarjargal Ts ; Sergelen O ; Gantugs Yu
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):176-183
Background:
Individuals requiring liver transplantation began receiving this
procedure in Mongolia in 2011, following initial treatments abroad in 2004. As
survival rates of post-liver transplant continue to improve, it is imperative to
understand the factors influencing the quality of life for patients during these
years and to explore modifiable determinants. The interplay between socioeconomic
and environmental factors significantly impacts social and personal
development, as evidenced by quality of life metrics. Research indicates that
6% of liver transplant recipients are classified as unable to work based on activity
and international disability assessments, while 23% to 61% of recipients
achieve full employment following liver transplantation treatment. However,
there is a notable lack of studies examining the physical, psychological, and
social well-being of patients post-liver transplant in Mongolia. This study aims
to address this gap and provide insights into the overall health status of these
individuals.
Aim:
Examining quality of life and employment status following liver transplantation
treatment
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive study design and questionnaire method
were used to collect data from 144 cases of individuals who underwent liver
transplantation. The study was based on the SF-36 Health Survey, categorized
into eight domains, with scores calculated according to predefined criteria.
Results:
Among the 144 cases included in the study, 81 (56.3%) were male
and 63 (43.8%) were female. By age group, 120 (83.3%) were between 19
and 60 years old, representing the working-age population, while 24 (16.7%)
were over 60 years old. Post-liver transplant employment status revealed
significant differences, with 41 (28.5%) employed full-time, 19 (13.2%) parttime,
and 84 (58.3%) unemployed or receiving disability benefits (p=0.024).
Among these, 62 (43%) expressed a desire to work, 17 (12%) did not wish to
work, and 65 (45%) were uncertain, showing no statistically significant differences
(p=0.173). When calculating the quality of life assessment, the physical
function index was 63.52±25.32 for working patients and 52.90±25.75
for non-working patients (p=0.018), and the psychological status index was
64.94±14.53 for working patients and 53.63±17.87 for non-working patients
(p<0.001), and there was a statistically significant difference.
Conclusion
Health-related quality of life in people who are employed after
liver transplantation is high, and overall physical function and overall psychological
well-being improve year after year.