Kidney transplant related knowledge and health education needs of patients with chronic kidney failure in two academic hospitals in Gauteng
Date
2021
Authors
Nkadimeng, Mmabje Calvin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background: Patients living with chronic kidney failure endure a lot of stress, as they have to
adjust their lifestyle, stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and refrain from self-medication.
Currently, South Africa has dearth in literature regarding the knowledge of these patients about
kidney transplant, which is so far the best treatment for chronic kidney failure. Patients are
provided with health education before any transplant, this is done to equip them with adequate
knowledge regarding the disease and its management. However, there are no methods to
examine whether the patient comprehended the information or not.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the kidney transplant related knowledge
and health education needs of patients with Chronic Kidney Failure on haemodialysis awaiting
kidney transplant in two hospitals in Gauteng.
Methods: The study was a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional survey and data was
collected using a kidney transplant understanding tool (K-TUT) questionnaire.
Data analysis: Data was analysed using the statistical package for Social Science computer
Programme and quantitative content analysis.
Setting: The setting for this study was the renal units at two academic hospitals in Gauteng,
South Africa.
Results: Of the n=124 aimed sample size, n=70 patients gave consent to participate in the study,
based on the set objective of describing the knowledge of patients on dialysis about their
knowledge on kidney transplant, a large number n=58 (82.86%) scored above 50% indicating
adequate knowledge and n=12 (17.14%) scored below 50%, which is regarded as inadequate
knowledge. However, at the mean score of 55%, only half (n=35; 50%) of the participants had
adequate knowledge. When considering the 55% as adequate knowledge indicator, half of the
participants had inadequate knowledge regarding kidney transplant. The health education needs
revealed three themes: firstly, the health education needs related to kidney transplant (quality
of life, reproductive health and risks and side effects). Secondly the additional information
needs to understand kidney transplant process such as donors and support system and lastly the
family member involvement theme which entailed their family member understanding of the
risk of rejection and infection
Description
A research report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Nursing to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021