Assessment of Factors Influencing Decision Making of Renal Transplantation among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease is a major global healthcare problem. Despite several advantages of kidney transplantation, some patients choose to remain on hemodialysis for treatment of end-stage renal disease. Few studies in the past have explore the factors involved in patient decision making for renal transplantation. The present study was undertaken with the following objectives: 1. To compare the factors that determine decision making of renal transplantation 2. To find the association between socio demographic factors and the transplantation list status.

A quantitative cross sectional study was conducted among 30 hemodialysis patients at Amrita institute of medical sciences, Kochi. Non probability convenience sampling was used for data collection. The data was collected using semi structured questionnaire including demographic variables and clinical variables. The researcher also developed a checklist to identify the factors that influence the decision making for renal transplantation.

Comparison of two groups showed that sex (10 female and 20 male), annual income, employment status and marital status were identified as factors which determine the decision. However, there was a significantly higher inclusion rate noted in younger patients (age group 25–45) (60% vs 6.7%, p -0.002) and in patients with higher education(above higher secondary level) (80% vs 60%, p -0.025). There is no significant difference noted in other factors.

Findings of the present study suggests that increased age is associated with unwillingness to consider transplantation as a treatment option and most of the patients in the transplantation waiting list has higher education level.