Adherence to immunosuppressive medication and quality of life in renal transplant patients

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18537/RFCM.42.03.05

Keywords:

Kidney transplantation, quality of life, medication adherence

Abstract

Introduction: chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10 % of the global population, being more prevalent among diabetic and hypertensive patients. For those suffering from this condition, kidney transplantation offers a therapeutic option that significantly improves quality of life and survival. However, adherence to immunosuppressive medication is essential to prevent graft rejection and minimize complications associated with transplantation.

Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between adherence to immunosuppressive medication and quality of life in kidney transplant patients.

Methodology: a cross-sectional observational study was conducted, including 80 adult patients with functioning kidney transplants. Medication adherence was assessed using the ITAS questionnaire and the Mansoura University questionnaire, while quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire. Analysis of variance and chi-square tests were used to compare variables related to adherence and quality of life.

Results: 65 % of the patients were classified as adherent to immunosuppressive medication. No significant differences were identified in sociodemographic characteristics between adherent and non-adherent patients. However, adherent patients showed better scores in the body pain and health change dimensions of the SF-36, with statistically significant differences (p<0,05).

Conclusions: Adherence to immunosuppressive medication is associated with better quality of life in kidney transplant patients. The dimensions of body pain and health changes were particularly more favorable among adherent patients, underscoring the importance of promoting strategies to improve therapeutic adherence in this population.

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Author Biographies

Sonia Catalina Rivera-González, Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga

Doctora en medicina y cirugia Especialista en Nefrología

Andrea Ximena Gómez Ayora, Universidad de Cuenca

Médica, PhD. Salud Pública.

Javier Arturo López-Rodríguez, Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga

Doctor en medicina y cirugía. Especialista en Medicina (Cirugía Cardiotorácica)

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Published

2024-12-13

Issue

Vol. 42 No. 3 (2024): Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca

Section

Original Article

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Copyright (c) 2024 Sonia Catalina Rivera-González, Andrea Ximena Gómez Ayora, Javier Arturo López Rodríguez, María de Lourdes López-Rivera

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