Assessment of Anxiety, Depression and Associated Factors in Post - Liver Transplant Recipients in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND

In addition to the physical challenges, anxiety and depression are significant factors that affect the quality of life of liver transplant recipients. Numerous psychosocial factors influence the mental health of these patients, and it is essential to investigate these factors to improve patient care post-transplant.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at 108 Military Central Hospital (Vietnam), involving 190 liver transplant recipients. Mental health was assessed using standardized tools, including the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory - Second Edition (BDI-II), and the Family APGAR. Patients were interviewed using structured questionnaires.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 52.31 ± 11.49 years, with 85.79% being male. The majority of recipients (58.95%) were in the 1 to 3 years post-transplant follow-up period. Approximately 37.9% of recipients reported experiencing post-transplant anxiety, with the severity distribution as follows: mild (23.16%), moderate (8.42%), and severe (6.32%). Depression was present in 11.59% of recipients, with only 0.53% experiencing severe depression. Family support was notably high, with 78.95% of recipients reporting strong family backing. The study also identified several factors influencing psychological health, including age, gender, marital status, occupation, income level, postoperative follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Postliver transplantation care should extend beyond physical monitoring and immunosuppressive management to include mental health support. Routine psychological assessment should be integrated into standard clinical follow-up to promote long-term quality of life in liver transplant recipients.