Exploring the Choice of Kidney Transplantation as a Treatment Option among Post-Kidney Transplant Recipients at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) offers better quality of life and the best chance at survival, at relatively lower costs, compared to other kidney replacement therapies. Though its uptake is gaining momentum, little is still known about what informed the choice of KT as a treatment modality among post-kidney transplant recipients. Objective: To explore the choice of kidney transplantation as a treatment option among post-kidney transplant recipients at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study involving fifteen post-kidney transplant recipients at Kenyatta National Hospital’s renal unit recruited using purposive sampling method. In-depth interviews using an interview guide were conducted among the study participants. The interviews were audio-recorded and the data transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using thematic analysis utilizing NVivo v.11 Software. Results: The study participants were male and female post-kidney transplant recipients, most of whom were aged 30 years and above, had tertiary education level and were married. Health practitioners’ influence on the choice of KT as a treatment option among the participants was through offering information to the participants as to the benefits of and requirements for KT. The dominant personal reason that led to the choice of KT as a treatment option among the participants was desire for better QoL. Help from family and friends, in form of kidney organ donation and financial, psychosocial and informational support was also critical in the participants’ choice of KT as a treatment option. Conclusion: The choice of KT as a treatment option among the participants was influenced by receipt of information about KT, desire for greater QoL and help from family and friends. Recommendation: The hospital’s health practitioners are advised to make educating patients about KT an integral component of the care they offer patients with ESKD in the hospital. Families of patients with ESKD should also be allowed to participate actively in important care decisions.