Religiosity and spirituality may positively impact the well-being of kidney transplant recipients

1. In this scoping review, religiosity and spirituality (R/S) were positively associated with the well-being of kidney transplant recipients, primarily through increased adherence to immunosuppressant medication and coping.

2. Locus of control had a significant impact on adherence to immunosuppressive medications post-kidney transplantation.

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

Although the impact of R/S in cancer, palliative care, and chronic disease patients has been well documented, it’s impact on health outcomes for people living with kidney failure and following kidney transplantation remains an emerging area of research. As a result, the objective of the present scoping review was to explore the current knowledge and identify evidence gaps surrounding R/S and patients who have received a kidney transplant.

Of 7 identified records, 4 were included in the qualitative synthesis from January 2000-May 2020. All studies that included spirituality, religion, faith, belief systems and kidney transplantation were included in the study. Studies were excluded if definitions of spirituality and religiosity were vague. Authors looked for common aspects across the included studies and two common themes were identified across the four included studies: clinical outcomes and well-being outcomes. Subcategories were then identified within each of the key themes identified: medication adherence, renal function, adverse transplant outcomes, locus of control and coping.

Results demonstrated that religiosity and spirituality (R/S) were positively associated with the well-being of kidney transplant recipients primarily through increased adherence to immunosuppressant medication and coping. Furthermore, locus of control had a significant impact on adherence to immunosuppressive medications post-kidney transplantation. Despite these findings, the study was limited by the absence of a quality appraisal of the studies. Nonetheless, the results from the scoping review may be used to inform future research and shape the development of post-transplantation care of kidney recipients.

Click to read the study in Nursing Open 

Image: PD

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