Asociación entre adherencia a la medicación inmunosupresora y calidad de vida en pacientes transplantados renales del Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga. Cuenca 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the world's population, especially diabetic and hypertensive patients, and renal transplantation significantly increases their quality of life and survival. However, adherence to immunosuppressive medication is essential to prevent rejection and complications. Aim: To assess the relationship between adherence to immunosuppressive medication and quality of life in kidney transplant patients. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study conducted between September and December 2023 at the José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital, Cuenca. Eighty patients with functioning kidney transplants aged over 18 years were included. Adherence was assessed with the ITAS and the Mansuora University questionnaire, and quality of life with the SF-36 questionnaire. Analysis of variance and chi-squared tests were used to compare variables. Results: 65% of patients were classified as adherent. There were no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics. Adherent patients had better scores on the bodily pain and health change dimensions of the SF-36 compared to nonadherent patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Adherence to immunosuppressive medication is associated with better quality of life in renal transplant patients, particularly in the bodily pain and health changes dimensions. Strategies to improve long-term adherence are required.