Level of daily life activities and learning needs in renal transplant patients

Abstract

Objectives: Transplantation affects the patient's psychological state and daily life activities. Although there are various studies regarding the quality of life of patients, there are limited studies on the daily life activities and learning needs of patients after renal transplant. Here, we investigated the daily life activities and learning needs of patients after renal transplant.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 renal transplant recipients. Data were collected using the "Patient Information Form," the "Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale," and the "The Patient Learning Needs Scale." Data were evaluated with t test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analyses.

Results: In our patient group, the mean general health score was 6.8 +/- 2.34, and the fatigue score was 4.53 +/- 2.88. Although 66.7% of our patients reported that they had information about the drugs that they used, 58.3% could not answer questions regarding the most important adverse effects of their drugs. We found that 20% of the patients had a respiratory problem, 34.2% had sexual problems, and 26.7% had sleep problems. The average Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale levels were lower in patients with only primary school education, patients who did not work, and patients with other illnesses. Learning needs of patients were as follows in order: quality of life, feelings related to the conditions, treatment, and complications.

Conclusions: Our study patients reported that their overall daily life activities and quality of life, given the holistic approach to treatment and care, were good. However, when we examined each activity separately, our findings showed that patients lacked information regarding how to cope with stress, emotions, and the effects of renal transplant on their life.