Purpose: Young adults who have received a kidney transplantation (KT) have significant obstacles in achieving educational goals and finding employment. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of ESRD and subsequent KT on education and employment outcomes in young adults between a single center in the UK and USA.

Methods: Renal transplant patients between the ages of 18 and 30 (N=27) attending follow-up appointments at a single center in Oxford, UK, in 2012 were consented to complete a self-report questionnaire and matched on age, gender and age at transplant to 27 renal transplant recipients aged 19-30 enrolled in a similar study in 2013 in Denver, USA. The questions focused on patient demographics, educational achievements and employment experiences.

Results: Mean (SD) age of completing the questionnaire was 25 (3) years in each center. Mean (SD) age at transplant was 22 (4) years in Oxford and 23 (4) years in Denver, with a mean (SD) time from transplant of 2 (2) years in each center. Overall mean QOL health score at time of questionnaire completion was not significantly different between the centers (83 in Oxford vs. 79 in Denver, p=0.27). 15/27 (56%) of the Oxford patients had completed or were currently studying a vocational or college education, vs. 18/27 (67%) of the Denver patients (p=0.41). 60% of Oxford patients who were not studying were in full- or part-time employment compared with 41% in Denver (p=0.33), and 15% of the Oxford patients vs. 53% of the Denver patients who were not studying were on a disability income or were unfit for work (p=0.03). 44% of Oxford patients vs. 63% of Denver patients felt that young adults without kidney disease find it easier to get a job (p=0.13). There were no statistically significant differences between the centers regarding the attitude of recipients towards their educational achievements, job satisfaction, perceived employer attitudes or employment options.

Conclusions: A significantly higher proportion of patients in Denver were on a disability income or unfit for work compared with Oxford, and only 40-60% of patients who were not studying were employed full- or part-time. Programs to prepare young adults for employment following kidney transplantation, and to educate prospective employers, should be developed.

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