Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the medication-taking beliefs of younger and older adult renal transplant recipients.
METHOD: A descriptive design was used to study 16 adult renal transplant recipients, 8 older and 8 younger, recruited from a renal transplant program in the midwest. A semistructured interview was conducted based on the theory of planned behavior. Data were examined using manifest content analyses.
RESULTS: Both groups had similar behavioral, normative, control, and problem-solving medication-taking beliefs. Planning ahead, organizing, using cues, involving a support person, and remembering the donor and life on dialysis were key control beliefs. Differences were found in beliefs regarding difficulties with taking immunosuppressive medications. The majority in both groups mentioned forgetting to take their immunosuppressive medications on at least one occasion.
CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION: As empiric evidence in this area grows, the clinical nurse specialist is paramount in assisting both younger and older renal transplant recipients with immunosuppressive medication taking and, consequently, in fostering better outcomes.