Background: With increasing renal transplantation surgeries, the living donor renal transplant is being promoted, majorly due to the shortage of renal graft from deceased persons and potential benefits of living kidney donation itself. It is a complex phenomenon, better studied by the qualitative analysis which allows a complementary in-depth exploration of complex human experiences in such cases. This study adds to the existing literature of qualitative research covering the analysis of decision-making, perioperative, and post-operative period.
Objectives: Our aim was to explore the donation process of a heterogeneous group of genetically and non-genetically related living kidney donors, to know their perception during the decision and quality of life after kidney donation. The objectives were to know the factors involved in decision-making
process, the psychological status after committing for donation and to explore the changes in individuals life post-donation.
Materials and Methods: It is a thematic study with descriptive approach, with non-probability, purposive sampling of participants. In-depth interviews were analyzed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results were created through a comprehensive range of constituent themes and master themes after analysis of transcripts.
Results: The decision-making is a rapid, rational, and altruist process. Reassurance and better management of psychological experience during the pre-operation period is helpful to a great extent. The increase in self-esteem is almost universal except a few cases of negative impact after donation.
Conclusion: This study will not only help in better understanding of pre-surgical preparation but also for the better management of post-operative and follow-up period.
Key words: Living Donors; Quality of Life; Decision-Making; Self-Concept; Interpersonal Relations
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