Resilience, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Transplant Effects—Gender Differences Following Liver Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives

The state of patients’ health following liver transplantation is influenced by a number of factors. To provide personalized nursing care, it is essential to understand the impact that the transplant has had on the patient’s life. The primary aim of this study was to examine gender differences in the overall health effect following liver transplantation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Connor–Davidson 10 Resilience Scale, the 21-item Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and the Transplant Effects Questionnaire. Data were collected during May–July 2021, and statistical analyses were performed. Results: A sample of 174 liver transplant patients who completed questionnaires were included in this study. Of these, 24.1% were women. Psychological resilience in men was correlated with personal strength, whereas in women, it was associated with relationships with others. Significant gender differences were found in psychological post-traumatic growth since liver transplantation. Additionally, resilience levels were positively and significantly associated with adherence to immunosuppressive therapy following the transplant. However, no mediating or moderating effect of resilience was identified. Conclusions: The results provide valuable insights for validating and improving interventions from a gender perspective. Nursing care must incorporate a gender perspective to deepen our understanding of the emotional determinants and the ability to deal with them.