Early Post-Transplant Adaptation Experience in Young and Middle-Aged People With Kidney Transplant in China: A Qualitative Study

Background: Successful adaptation to post-transplantation life in patients who have undergone kidney transplants is crucial. The psychosocial needs of people with kidney transplants are closely related to the health of the transplanted kidney. If transplant recipients cannot adapt to the effects of the transplant, their physical and mental health will be seriously impaired. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the early post-transplant adaptation experience of young and middle-aged persons with kidney transplants in China based on the Roy adaptation model. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Fifteen young and middle-aged persons with kidney transplant were recruited from a tertiary hospital in China between September 2022 and March 2023 through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: This study identified 4 themes: (1) “two-sided” changes in physiological functioning, (2) “dawn and darkness” (conflicting perceived emotions about the future), (3) role functioning adaptation conflict and impairment, and (4) social isolation and the challenges of coping. Conclusions: This study found that early post-transplant adaptation in young and middle-aged people with kidney transplant included both positive and negative experiences, and these findings can provide new insights into research related to successful post-operative adaptation.