Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of Indian Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients toward Renal Transplantation

Knowledge and Attitude of MHD Patients Toward Renal Transplantation

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health problem and so is the dilemma of choosing the right renal replacement therapy in end-stage renal disease. Renal transplantation undoubtedly improves the quality of life and long-term survival as compared to dialysis, but patients choice is influenced by their awareness regarding these treatment modalities. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions and attitude of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients towards transplantation.Subjects and Methods:Patients on MHD for more than 3 months duration were included in this questionnaire based cross-sectional study, after a written informed consent.Results:A total of 144 patients with a mean age of 48 12 years were included in the study, with 92(63.9%) males and 52(36.2%) females. Most of these had diabetic kidney disease (n=58,40.3%). The source of knowledge regarding transplantation were the treating doctor (76.4%), paramedical staff (9.7%), relatives/friends (11.1%) and social media/other sources (2.8%). Majority of them (n=100,69.4%) were willing to undergo transplantation, but had multiple reasons for continuing hemodialysis, including old age (31.8%), financial constrains (40.9%), fear of post-transplant complications (54.5%), concern for health of the donor after donation (22.7%) and various co-morbidities precluding transplantation (9.1%). Only 41.7% patient was aware of option of diseased donor transplantation, but just 11.1% were enrolled for the same.Conclusion: Negative attitude towards transplantation is a potentially modifiable factor and increasing awareness among CKD patients can improve their quality of life, after live or deceased donor transplantation.