Adesão ao tratamento após transplante de fígado Fortaleza

Abstract

Liver transplantation is a treatment modality that provides better quality of life to recipients, however, it is important that patients watch for some changes in lifestyle and have complete adherence to the therapeutic plan in order to avoid graft rejection and other complications. The general purpose of the study was to verify adherence to medication and non-medication treatment of patients who underwent liver transplantation. This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed at the liver transplant outpatient clinic of the Walter Cantídio University Hospital (HUWC), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza. The population of this study was composed by patients who have undergone liver transplantation at the unit in the period from 2002 to 2016. Through a finite sample calculation, 180 participants were selected for the study. The data collection was performed through the analysis of medical records and interview, using a semi-structured instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. There were predominance of male patients (67.8%), retired (50.3%), mean age 53.9 years and transplant time 59.9 months. Regarding medication adherence, 21.7% of the participants stated that they had stopped taking the medications, the main reason was being forgetfulness (74.1%). Working status and age were shown to be significantly associated with immunosuppressant treatment adherence. Regarding non-medication treatment, 56.7% of the patients admitted not following the recommendations regarding body care by reason of lack of motivation (48%). In addition, 47.8% of the patients admitted not following the nutritional recommendations adequately, mostly due to lack of motivation (56%). There was statistical significance between adherence to body care, geographic location and comorbidities. Additionally, age and income level were associated with greater nutritional compliance. The majority of the participants always said they attended scheduled appointments (83.89%) and reported having social support to assist them follow the treatment regimen (92.78%). Adherence to the therapeutic regimen is essential for successful transplantation. The study may contribute to increase knowledge about adherence to therapy after liver transplantation, permitting the development of suitable strategies for the maintenance or improvement of adherence to treatment.