Life Experiences of Hepatitis Patients Waiting for Liver Transplantation

Background Since the number of hepatitis patients requiring liver transplantation is on the rise and the waiting list for such operation is long, the quality of life of these patients will be affected. Providing any care and health services requires an understanding of these patients’ real experience and their specific needs. Objectives Therefore, this study aimed to explore the life experiences of hepatitis patients waiting for liver transplantation. Methods This was a qualitative study with content analysis approach. Participants in this study consisted of 10 hepatitis patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation, who were selected through purposive sampling. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using Landman and Grantham and constant comparison methods. Results The participants included 10 hepatitis patients with a mean age of 41.4 years, and 34.8 months average time being on the waiting list. The main themes of “life turmoil (being troubled for the family and living with hardship), “searching” (searching for information and search for a change in treatment approach), spirituality (trust and faith in God and relaying on Imams (Tavasol)), and “new concerns” (unhappiness in life and challenge and consequence of waiting) were extracted from the data. Conclusions Hepatitis patients’ experiences included family economic problems, exacerbation of the disease and its complications, lack of adherence to treatment regimen, and physical and psychosocial problems. Knowing and understanding the issues and problems of these patients can create positive changes in their time when waiting for liver transplantation, and can empower them in this difficult time so they can have a more successful transplantation.