B. Ardehali, B. Baluch, A. Furnham, M. Zakkar, G. Williams

Renal patients, first attempt (13 male and 10 female): 9 pre- (mean age 45.1, Sd = 3.2) and 14 post-transplant (mean age 50.5, Sd = 3.3) responded to an 11 item attitude questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al., 1983), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Inventory (Wallston & Wallston, 1981) and a 11 item Multiple Choice Knowledge of Renal Transplantation Questionnaire (MCQ). Acting as control, 23 Social Sciences students (mean age 32, Sd = 3.6) were asked to complete the MCQ.

Patients were significantly more anxious at the post compared to the pre-transplantation stage. Patients with a higher belief that one’s health is determined by chance factors showed lower levels of anxiety. Male patients showed stronger agreement with statements: "Others will consider me as a different person" and "I will see myself as a different person after transplantation". Patients scored higher than students on the MCQ. Implications are discussed.

Key words: renal transplantation, anxiety

Bahman Baluch, PhD, CPsychol, AFBPsS

School of Health and Social Sciences

Middlesex University

Enfield, EN3 4SF

UK

E-mail: bahman1@bitte-keinen-spammdx.ac.uk

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