Yang F.-C.SHOEI-SHEN WANGChen H.-M.Chen C.-H.Pong S.-C.Chen C.-M.2021-05-112021-05-1120200041-1345https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85088090817&doi=10.1016%2fj.transproceed.2020.06.020&partnerID=40&md5=2bb0ac28f7c843f437ef61f48d83b0b1https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/560657Background: Kidney transplantation is the main treatment for irreversible organ failure. It helps patients regain hope, prolongs their lives, and improves their quality of life. Because of cultural barriers, male kidney-transplant recipients in Taiwan may face a difficult adaptation process during postoperative care at home. Methods: In this qualitative exploratory study, we employed purposive sampling of male kidney-transplant recipients that was obtained from a leading medical center in Taiwan. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were used to collect data, which were further content analyzed. Results: All 30 qualified patients were approached and agreed to participate (age range = 29-67 years). Participants’ post–kidney transplant time frame ranged from 2 to 22 years. We revealed several difficulties that participants experienced during their postoperative recovery: (1) physical and mental exhaustion and treatment side effects; (2) worry and uncertainty about rejection, graft failure, and the future; (3) fear of losing one's job and putting the family in financial trouble; and (4) impaired self-image and social barriers. Corresponding adaptation processes included (1) experiencing shock during the early post-transplantation stage, (2) re-identification of the transition period of self-value, (3) seeking support and thinking positively, (4) accepting one's new self-image, and (5) regaining autonomy. Conclusion: The current results can be used to improve the quality of care at home for male kidney-transplant recipients. Health care providers should assist patients in the adaptation process to reduce discomfort and relieve stress. This study can also serve as a reference for future research. ? 2020 Elsevier Inc.[SDGs]SDG3adult; aged; Article; clinical article; exploratory research; graft failure; graft rejection; health care quality; home care; human; kidney graft; kidney transplantation; male; mental stress; middle aged; postoperative care; postoperative period; priority journal; qualitative research; quality of life; self concept; shock; adverse event; coping behavior; graft recipient; kidney transplantation; psychology; Taiwan; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Home Care Services; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Taiwan; Transplant Recipientsjournal article10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.06.020326940592-s2.0-85088090817