ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Challenges and Stressors of COVID-19 Kidney and Transplant Patients: A Mixed Methods Study

Y. A. Iraheta1, A. L. Murillo2, E. H. Wood1, S. M. Advani3, R. Pines4, A. D. Waterman1

1UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 2Terasaki Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 3National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 4Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, CA

Meeting: 2021 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 331

Keywords: Patient education, Psychosocial, Public policy

Topic: Clinical Science » Kidney » Kidney Psychosocial

Session Information

Session Name: Kidney Psychosocial

Session Type: Rapid Fire Oral Abstract

Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Session Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm

 Presentation Time: 5:00pm-5:05pm

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: To assess the unique needs of at-risk kidney and transplant patients and their caregivers during COVID-19, we established a telephone Listening Center enabling them to share about challenges seeking care, common stressors, and opportunities for healthcare delivery improvement.

*Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study where participants answered open and closed-ended questions about their health, financial, and emotional challenges during COVID-19. Data from open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were run for quantitative items to explore frequencies of COVID-related stressors.

*Results: The 111 participants varied by race/ethnicity [Hispanic (29%), White (24%), Asian (23%), Black (23%), Other (1%)], with most being English-speakers (85%). Many participants experienced health, financial, or emotional COVID-19 related stressors (Table). Patients reported severe limitations due to need for social distancing, inability to go to overcrowded medical settings and public spaces, and difficulty receiving assistance replacing in-home dialysis supplies, childcare support, or help with home repairs. Using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ4), 30% of participants reported feeling depressed and 35% reported feeling anxious on several to most days. Participants sought emotional support from family, friends, and communities of faith using facetime and zoom. Patients wanted a centralized place to receive COVID-19 updates, recommendations for safe activities, flexibility to choose online or in person medical visits, and regular follow up from their kidney/transplant specialists related to COVID-19.

*Conclusions: Over 40% of patients reported fear, frustration, loneliness, and postponed medical visits due to COVID-19. Needs-based interventions include mental health resources, education, and support for care transitions may be helpful, particularly as the pandemic continues.

 border=

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Iraheta YA, Murillo AL, Wood EH, Advani SM, Pines R, Waterman AD. Challenges and Stressors of COVID-19 Kidney and Transplant Patients: A Mixed Methods Study [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2021; 21 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/challenges-and-stressors-of-covid-19-kidney-and-transplant-patients-a-mixed-methods-study/. Accessed May 11, 2025.

« Back to 2021 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences