Abstract

CONDE GARCIA, Paloma; COYO MONTERO, Mª Ángeles  and  TOSQUELLA AMBLAS, Roser. Compliance with treatment in paediatric renal transplant. Rev Soc Esp Enferm Nefrol [online]. 2010, vol.13, n.3, pp.173-179. ISSN 1139-1375.

There are numerous causes of therapeutic non-compliance in paediatric patients with a renal transplant. The aim of this study was to identify the difficulties presented by families and patients for correct compliance with treatment in paediatric recipients of renal transplants. To do so, a transversal, descriptive observational study was carried out with the participation of 41 patients of ages ranging from 5 to 18. As a measuring instrument, a questionnaire was designed with closed questions on demographic aspects, knowledge and attitudes to the treatment received, self-sufficiency or dependence in administration, compliance and tiredness of the patient and carer. The questionnaire was applied to the patient and main carer. The percentage of non-compliance was 12.1%, and was observed to be higher in adolescent recipients. A total of 14 patients presented graft rejection, of which 9 were for immunological reasons and 5 due to abandoning the treatment. 90% of patients stated that they had received full information about the medication and its importance. They showed correct knowledge of the immunosuppressant medication, timetable and compliance with dosage. 18% expressed lack of knowledge of side effects. The reasons for stopping to take the medication were mainly tiredness of the patient or carer (70%) and forgetfulness in 50%, of whom 22% only forgot to take the medication on one occasion. As regards incidents associated to taking the medication, diarrhoea (50%) and vomiting (42%) were observed. Most patients are supervised in taking their medication by a carer, usually their mother. All the patients studied had social assistance (100%) and financing of the treatment. In general, we can say that patients feel motivated to continue the treatment, but feel exhausted due to its long duration.

Keywords : Paediatric renal transplant; Compliance with treatment; Difficulties in following therapeutic plan; Immunosuppressants.

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