Knowledge, attitude, and practice of kidney transplant patients regarding post-transplant complications: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The management of complications following kidney transplantation involves self-management, which requires adequate knowledge and favorable attitudes. This study explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of post-transplant complications among kidney transplant patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included (convenience sampling) kidney transplant patients from our hospital. A self-designed online KAP questionnaire was used for data collection.

RESULTS

A total of 499 (89.7%) valid questionnaires were included; 327 were filled out by men and 172 by women, aged 44.41±10.54 years. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 6.00±1.99 (possible range, 0-10), 22.29±1.96 (possible range, 6-30), and 29.28±3.78 (possible range, 8-40), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between attitude and knowledge (r=0.129, P=0.004), attitude and practice (r=0.334, P<0.001), and practice and attitude (r=0.416, P<0.001). Structural equation modeling showed that post-transplant complications and education were associated with knowledge while drinking alcohol, age, and duration since kidney transplant were negatively associated with knowledge. Knowledge and education were associated with attitude, while post-transplant complications were negatively associated with attitude. Attitude, knowledge, duration since kidney transplant and education were associated with the practice, while age was negatively associated with the practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney transplant patients showed insufficient knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice regarding post-transplant complications. Age, education, drinking alcohol, post-transplant complications, and duration since kidney transplant might affect their KAP. Educational interventions targeting specific KAP items with poor scores should be designed and tested to improve the self-management of patients with kidney transplants.