Perception on Preparation for Transplantation and Medication Adherence: An Exploratory Study of Post Kidney Transplant Patients in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Many patients suffering from renal failure have embraced kidney transplant instead of dialysis despite huge financial implications. However, post kidney transplant patients (PKTPs) require strict adherence to immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection of the allograft. Encounters during patients’ medication refill suggest information gaps about medication use burden.

Objectives: This study was set to explore PKTPs perspective on their preparation for transplant and determine possible information gaps during preparation for transplant.

Methods: This study was conducted by qualitative methods using in-depth interviews. Eighteen PKTPs were purposely recruited from their refill facility in Lagos and interviewed using an open-ended interview guide. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings: The main information received during preparation bordered mostly on expectation of improved quality of life, financial implication, and the need to maintain the new kidney using medications. While some respondents ambiguously stated that the team ‘did their best’ in preparing them for transplant, six respondents regretted not having information about the life-long use of medications until after the transplant. Some respondents totally adhered to their medications, never missing a dose; others missed some doses unintentionally while some others deliberately missed their doses just to save cost. All respondents’ experience of a better quality of life after transplant was as expected.

Conclusion: This study revealed that some respondents experienced information gaps concerning life-long use of medications post-transplant. The experience of very improved quality of life post-transplant seemed to be the driving force for medication adherence.