Publication Date

2005

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Irene Gonzales

Second Advisor

Susan Murphy

Keywords

Kidney transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Post renal transplant medical non-compliance is a leading cause of renal graft loss, in the adolescent population. The pwpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between quality of life and medical compliance. Method: A pilot study was conducted using a convenience sample of 10 post renal transplant adolescents during their routine transplant clinic appointment. Demographic data was collected and the KIND L Quality of Life questionnaire was completed by study participants. Medical compliance was measured by evaluating transplant clinic appointment attendance, laboratory appointment attendance, and immunosuppressant drug levels. Results: Despite positive correlations reported in the literature, a negative linear correlation (r = -0.7358) was found in this sample between the quality of life score and the medical compliance score. Discussion: Medication non-compliance remains a major cause of graft failure for the adolescent; a rate that is four times greater than adults. Further study of adolescent behavior, attitudes, and perception of quality of life can assist health care providers in their promotion of medical compliance in adolescents post transplantation.

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