Medication Adherence in Kidney Transplant

Overview

Aims and Objective: The study aimed to assess the impact of text message reminders on medication adherence among kidney transplant recipients. Background: One of the most common problems encountered in transplant patients is incompatibility with immunosuppressive drugs, one of the most important reasons for graft rejection. Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to October 2021 and conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 guidelines. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included a total of 100 patients receiving a kidney transplant, 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. Patients in the intervention group were sent text message reminders four times a day during the 6th to 9th months after transplantation. Control patients received no such intervention. Tacrolimus concentrations in the bloodstream were monitored for all participants through measurements taken at months 7,8, and 9. Data collection tools included Sociodemographic and Descriptive Characteristics Form and Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence Scale. Research hypotheses H1- Sending text message reminders improves immunosuppressive medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients. H2- Utilization of text messages as reminders has a significant influence on tacrolimus blood profiles in kidney transplant recipients. H3- There is a correlation between the scores from the Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence Scale and mean tacrolimus plasma levels in kidney transplant recipients. H4- There is a correlation between the sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics of kidney transplant recipients and their mean scores from the Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence Scale.