Lived experience of post-kidney transplant recipients attending nephrology clinic at Muhimbili National hospital, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: A gradual decline in kidney function causes End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) due to chronic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Kidney transplantation is known to be helpful, but studies have found that transplant recipients often experience depression and anxiety. Knowing the lived experience of people with transplanted kidney help to identify complications that are important to those affected by a disease or condition, so that real-world challenges can be prioritized in healthcare delivery. Despite Tanzania initiation of local kidney transplants, the unexplored facets of life after transplantation persist, with scarcity studies to illuminate them. Aim: To explore the lived experience of post-kidney transplant recipients attending the clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam. Material and Methods: This study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research design to collect data from 11 post-kidney transplant recipients who attended the nephrology clinic at MNH in Ilala Municipal in Dar es Salaam. Participants were selected purposively and data was collected using an in-depth interview guided by semi-structured questions and audio recorded. The information gathered was verbatim transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Result: The study include 11 participant from the study site, with the age ranging from 31 to 70 years. Five theme emerged after data analysis addressing the lived experiences of post-kidney transplant individuals were generated. The theme encompass post-transplant adjustment, Support needs, post-transplant health issues, post-transplant need for services, and emotional impact and life coping. Conclusion: The study highlights the diverse challenges and adjustments faced by transplant recipients, emphasizing the impact on their daily lives, relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being. Participants experienced significant lifestyle disruptions and health issues, necessitating strong family and social support. Financial aid and affordable post-transplant medical services were crucial for managing ongoing needs. Emotionally, recipients dealt with distress but sought to adapt through acceptance and information-seeking. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive support systems to improve the overall quality of life for transplant recipients. Recommendation: Based on these findings, recommendation include the healthcare providers and policymakers implement comprehensive support systems for transplant recipients. These should include robust family and social support networks, accessible and affordable post-transplant medical services, and financial assistance programs. Additionally, providing psychological support and resources for coping strategies can help recipients manage emotional distress and adapt to lifestyle changes. Tailoring these support mechanisms to address the medical, social, financial, and emotional needs of transplant recipients can significantly enhance their overall quality of life and improve post-transplant outcomes.