Evaluation of the adherence of patients to immunosuppressive drug therapy after liver transplantation

Abstract

Objectives: Adherence of patients to their immunosuppressive treatment protocol after liver transplant is critical for the health and longevity of the transplanted liver. This study aimed to evaluate and determine the factors affecting the adherence of patients to immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplant.Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with patients who had undergone liver transplant in a university hospital between June 2021 and June 2022. Data were collected using a "Patient Identification Form" and the "Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence Scale."Results: Among our sample of 150 patients, 19.3% (n = 29) did not adhere to their immunosuppressive therapy. A significant correlation was found between adherence to therapy and active employment status or time since transplant (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the employment status of patients had a significant effect (2.73-fold) on their adherence to therapy (P = .046).Conclusions: There is a need for frequent evaluation of patient adherence to immunosuppressive therapy starting from the early posttransplant period and a need for information and education to improve adherence by taking into account factors affecting adherence, such as employment status and time since transplant.