Social support and immunosuppressant therapy adherence among adult renal transplant recipients.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between social support and immunosuppressant therapy adherence among adult renal transplant recipients.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, survey design was employed. Mailed questionnaires were used to collect data from 81 recipients, and included the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale (ITAS and Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS-5). The correlation between ITAS and MSSS-5 summary scores was assessed using the correlation coefficient (r). Analyses of the following relationships were conducted using correlation coefficients: (i) ITAS summary score and individual items of the MSSS-5; and (ii) MSSS-5 summary score and individual items of the ITAS. A hierarchical regression was conducted.


RESULTS
The response rate was 74%. The relationship between social support and adherence was significant (r = 0.214, p < 0.05). Two MSSS-5 items (affectionate support and instrumental support pertaining to household functions) were related to ITAS summary score (p < 0.05), and one ITAS item (forgetfulness) was related to the MSSS-5 summary score (p < 0.05). The regression model (all MSSS-5 items) accounted for 24% of the variation in ITAS summary scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that strategies utilizing social support to address forgetfulness as well as strategies to improve affectionate support and instrumental support related to daily household functions may be useful adherence intervention tools.
Chisholm-Burns
Marie A
MA
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. chisholm@pharmacy.arizona.edu
Spivey
Christina A
CA
Wilks
Scott E
SE
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016903:Drug Monitoring
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents