Positive health-related behaviour is particularly important for liver transplant recipients’ (LTRs) recovery. However, non-adherence in adolescents post-transplant is thought to be greater than, or equal to, 50%. Literature searches have found limited research into the area of young adults’ experiences of having a donated liver. Knowing more of their experience seems important to help inform practice to improve adherence and ultimately save lives. The present study aimed to construct a grounded theory of young adults’ experiences of having a liver transplant, in order to better understand how young adults may adjust following such experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve liver transplant recipients (LTRs; five female, seven male). Data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory. A model was constructed to capture the dynamic interactions between thirteen categories, resulting in four main themes: Finding Identity Post-Transplant, Carrying Responsibility, Unseen, Unspoken or Misunderstood Challenges and Adjusting to Life After Transplant. The study highlights the importance of the themes in psychological adjustment post-transplant. Understanding this process is imperative in order to improve health-related behaviours in a cohort with traditionally poor adherence. Implications for further research and clinical practice are discussed, including educating LTRs to raise their levels of self-efficacy, which have a positive impact on adherence.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:675951 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Falk, Rachel E. |
| Publisher | Canterbury Christ Church University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://create.canterbury.ac.uk/14079/ |
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