The mediating effect of social functioning on the relationship between social support and fatigue in middle-aged and young recipients with liver transplant in China

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between social support and fatigue as well as the mediating role of social functioning on that relationship. BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors such as social support and social functioning may influence patients’ fatigue symptoms. There is limited evidence on the relationship between social support, social functioning, and fatigue in liver transplant recipients. METHODS: A total of 210 patients with liver transplants from two tertiary hospitals were enrolled in the current study. Questionnaires used include one for general demographic data, the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), and Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI). RESULTS: A total of 126 (60%) recipients reported fatigue. Gender, residence, BMI, and liver function were the primary factors affecting fatigue. Social support was positively correlated with social functioning and was negatively correlated with fatigue. The effect of social support on fatigue was partially mediated by social functioning (35.74%). CONCLUSION: The fatigue of liver transplant recipients should be attended to. The higher the social support, the lower the fatigue of liver transplant recipients. Social support may also reduce fatigue through social functioning. The liver transplant team should help the liver transplant recipient establish a social support system, restore social functioning, and reduce fatigue symptoms.