Patient-Related Factors that Influence Adherence to Post-Kidney Transplant Treatment Among Kidney Allograft Recipients at a National Referral Hospital, Kenya
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe patient-related factors that
influence adherence to post kidney transplant treatment among kidney allograft recipients at
a national referral hospital in Kenya. Adherence to long term immunosuppressive
medications determine the success of kidney transplantation. However, non-adherence is a
global health concern among this special population. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study, census sampling method was
used with a sample size of 106 kidney allograft recipients. Findings: Almost half 49(46%) of the respondents were non adherent to medication. Majority 43(88%) pointed out that cost of the medicines was the main reason for non- adherence. Among those who adhered, 102(96%) indicated that they had adhered because
the quality of their life had improved after kidney transplantation. Age was found to be a
statistically significant factor in influencing outcome of adherence as indicated by body
mass index (BMI) (x
2(15) = 30.09, p =.012, p<.005). Conclusion: There exists a gap in adherence to medication among the kidney allograft
recipients. Cost of medication is an important factor in non-adherence. Recommendations: The health care providers should develop sustainable strategies to curb
medication non-adherence. Government should consider National Hospital Insurance Fund
cover to all post kidney transplant medicines. Non-governmental organizations should offer
financial support to this special population by donating drugs.
URI
https://kjnm.co.ke/index.php/kjnm/article/view/203/pdfhttp://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/22465