The analysis of the adherence of liver transplant recipients to immunosuppressant treatment, their self-control, and self-management in the post-transplantation period

Abstract

Background and amis

In our study, it was aimed to investigate the adherence of liver transplant recipients to immunosuppressant therapy, their self-control, and their self-management in the post-transplantation period.

Methods

The sample of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was composed of liver transplant recipients. The personal information form, Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale, and the Liver Self-Control and Self-Management Scale were used to collect data, and descriptive statistical methods, independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance analysis was used to analyze the collected data.

Results

In light of the data collected in this study, it was identified that, of all recipients, 73.6% were 45–64 years old, 72.5% were male, 25.2% were workers, and 44.6% had equivalent income and expenses. It was observed that the recipients did not fully adhere to the immunosuppressant therapy regimen, and their self-control and self-management levels were below the medium level.

Conclusion

The social support system of liver transplant recipients is very important. Recipients with a good social support system can receive caregiver support from their relatives, thereby supporting their self-control and self-management. Both liver transplant patients and the people providing care to them should be simultaneously provided with training programs and given information, and both groups should be supported in treatment and care processes.