INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS ON A LIFE QUALITY OF PATIENTS AFTER INVASIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURES
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Authors: Mateusz Zatorski
Keywords: compliance with therapeutic recommendations, body image, kidney transplantation, quality of life
Abstract: SUBJECT OF STUDY: The influence of psychological factors (such as the image of one's own body, sense of coherence, the proportion of positive and negative emotions) and social (such as support), as well as pro-health behaviors (adherence to therapeutic recommendations) on the quality of life of patients subjected to invasive medical procedures is the subject of the presented research.
SAMPLE PERSONS: Patients undergoing transplantation of the kidneys from the deceased donors were the sample persons in the presented research. 45 kidney recipients were invited to the study. Selection criteria: not less than 6 months after surgery; adults; no complications after surgery and no neurocognitive disorders observed. The participants of the study were patients who, apart from the transplantation procedure, had a urostomy procedure done in the treatment process. It was a big challenge for the respondents in their everyday functioning - psychological, social and organizational as well. Research wise, sample patients selection allowed to present a diversity of factors affecting the quality of their life and to indicate those most important for maintaining a good life quality in a difficult health deterioration situation.
METHOD: The research was carried out with a range of psychometric tools. SOC-13 Questionnaire (sense of coherence), PANAS - Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, BES (Body Esteem Scale), IMB Questionnaire: Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (compliance with therapeutic recommendations), and a tool for diagnosis of patients' quality of life based on the SF-36 survey method. Questionnaires were sent to patients thanks to cooperation of the interdisciplinary team of medical staff. Some of the respondents filled out the questionnaires in person during their visits in a hospital.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Research indicates the significant link between psychological and social variables and life quality assessment. In relation to theoretical aspects and empirical data special attention should be paid to the relation between pro-health behaviors and the image of one's own body, and the quality of life. The results may be a new and interesting voice in the discussion on the mutual relations of various factors affecting the quality of life. They can also provide important information in designing of preventive and intervention programs dedicated to people who undergone invasive surgical procedures.