Physical Activity and Fatigue in Caregivers Before and After Liver Transplantation

Overview

Caregivers of liver transplant recipients often experience substantial physical and psychological demands during the transplantation process. These responsibilities may influence caregivers' fatigue levels, caregiving burden, and physical activity patterns. Understanding these changes is important for protecting caregivers' health and supporting the long-term care process. The aim of this study was to examine changes in fatigue severity, caregiver burden, and physical activity levels among caregivers of liver transplant recipients before and after liver transplantation. A total of 119 caregivers participated in the study. Assessments were conducted at three time points: during the pre-transplant hospital phase, at 90 days after transplantation, and at 180 days after transplantation. Fatigue severity was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale, caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, and physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The findings of this study aim to provide insight into the changes experienced by caregivers during the transplantation process and to contribute to the development of strategies that support caregiver well-being.

Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and significantly improves survival and quality of life. However, the transplantation process not only affects recipients but also places considerable physical and psychological demands on caregivers. Caregivers are responsible for assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring medical treatments, and supporting the recovery process. These responsibilities may lead to increased fatigue, caregiver burden, and changes in physical activity patterns. Although previous studies have examined caregiver burden and fatigue in different chronic diseases, limited research has investigated these parameters among caregivers of liver transplant recipients, particularly during different stages of the transplantation process. Understanding these changes is important for protecting caregiver health and improving long-term care outcomes for transplant recipients. The present study aimed to investigate changes in fatigue severity, caregiver burden, and physical activity levels among caregivers of liver transplant recipients before and after liver transplantation. The study was conducted at the Liver Transplantation Institute Hospital of Inonu University between December 2024 and February 2026. Caregivers responsible for the care of patients undergoing liver transplantation were included in the study. Data were collected at three different time points: during the pre-transplant hospital period, at postoperative day 90, and at postoperative day 180. Fatigue severity was evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The study was designed to evaluate how caregiver fatigue, caregiving burden, and physical activity levels change over time during the transplantation process and to identify factors associated with these outcomes. The findings may help improve awareness of caregiver health and contribute to the development of supportive strategies for caregivers involved in the liver transplantation process.