Gender Disparity Among Renal Transplant Recipients Receiving Immunosuppressive Therapy

The study involving 100 renal transplant recipients aimed to assess the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on symptom experiences, symptom distress, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), with a particular focus on gender differences. Results indicated that while the overall quality of life was good post-transplantation, women reported lower satisfaction and higher levels of distress from symptoms such as back pain, increased hair growth, and mood swings. In contrast, men reported more distress from symptoms like increased appetite, mood swings, decreased interest in sex, depression, and sleeplessness. The study concluded that there is a significant gender disparity in the quality of life and symptom distress among renal transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy, suggesting a need for gender-specific assessments and interventions to improve outcomes. Gender, marital status, and educational level were significant predictors of quality of life. The study's limitations include its small sample size and the fact that it was conducted at a single university hospital.