Motivators and Barriers to Self-Management among Kidney Transplant Recipients in Selected State Hospitals in South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Kidney transplantation is the cornerstone for renal treatment in patients with end-stage renal failure. Despite improvements in short-term outcomes of renal transplantation, kidney allograft loss remains a huge challenge. The aim of the study was to assess factors influencing the durability of transplanted kidneys among transplant recipients in South Africa. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A random sampling was used to select 171 participants. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews developed from in-depth consideration of relevant literature. Data were coded and entered into the SPSS software, version 24. The entered data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the average durability of transplanted kidneys was 9.07 years among selected kidney transplant recipients in South Africa. Factors associated with the durability of transplanted kidneys included age, the sewerage system and strict immunosuppressive adherence, all with a P-value = .000, followed by the mode of transport (P-value = .001) and support system (P-value = .004). Other variables including demographics, the healthcare system, medication and lifestyle modification engagement were not associated with the durability of transplanted kidneys. Understanding the factors influencing the durability of transplanted kidneys among kidney transplant recipients in South Africa is crucial. The study revealed associated factors and gaps which may be contributory factors to kidney allograft loss. This study provides an opportunity to introduce specific interventions to nephrology professionals to promote prolonged graft durability. It is recommended that a specific intervention model be developed, which targets South African kidney recipients taking into account the significant variables in this study and the socio-economic status of the country.

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An Exploratory Correlational Study in the Use of Mobile Technology Among Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients

Progress in Transplantation ◽

10.1177/1526924818800051 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 368-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tara O’Brien ◽

Cynthia L. Russell ◽

Alai Tan ◽

Mallory Washington ◽

Donna Hathaway

Keyword(s):

Kidney Transplant ◽

Mobile Technology ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Self Management ◽

Transplant Recipients ◽

Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adult Kidney ◽

Access Patterns ◽

Management Of Care

Introduction: Rapidly growing use of mobile technology provides a platform for self-management of care support for those with chronic conditions. Few studies have explored the characteristics or access patterns of kidney transplant recipients who use mHealth applications (apps) for self-management of care. Research Questions: The primary aim of this study was to describe demographics, use, barriers, and perceptions of mobile apps for self-management of care among adult kidney transplants recipients. The secondary aim was to compare blood urea nitrogen, glomerular filtration rate, and number of hospitalizations among mHealth app users, other app users, and non-app users. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to administer the Mobile Application Use among Kidney Transplant Recipients Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, χ2 statistics, and analysis of variance were used for the primary aim and linear regression was used for the secondary aim. Results: The sample included mostly African American males (n = 123, 75.5%) with a mean age of 50 (13.2) years. Knowledge was the greatest barrier reported by the non-app users (mHealth app users 9%, other app users 12%, non-app users, 49%, P < .001). Significantly fewer hospitalizations were found in the mHealth app users compared to other app users (regression coefficient b = −1.2, standard error [SE] = 0.5) and non-app users ( b = −0.9, SE = 0.6), adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Discussion: Findings suggest a relationship may exist between mHealth app use and a decrease in the number of hospitalizations following kidney transplantation.

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