Two-Year Follow-Up of a Communication Intervention on Medication Adherence and Health Literacy in Kidney Transplanted Recipients-A Randomised Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic conditions, including kidney transplanted recipients, are required to actively participate in their continuous care and maintain motivation to adhere consistently to treatment.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to test long-term effectiveness of a new health communication intervention designed to improve on medication adherence and health literacy in kidney transplant recipients 2 years following transplantation.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled non-blinded study was conducted between March 2020 and August 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and ninety-five kidney transplant recipients were included.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes were self-reported medication adherence, measured by the BAASIS questionnaire, and health literacy, measured by the Health Literacy Questionnaire. The response rate was 87% (170 of 195 patients).

RESULTS

This study showed a significant difference between groups in favour of the intervention group for medication adherence (p < 0.02) and two essential Health Literacy Questionnaire domains-'navigating the health care system' (p < 0.02) and 'having social support for health' (p > 0.03)-2 years after transplantation. Regarding health literacy, three Health Literacy Questionnaire domains showed a significant correlation with adherence: 'having sufficient information to manage health' (p < 0.04), 'having social support for health' (p < 0.04), and 'ability to understand health information well enough to know what to do' (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings in the study highlight the pivotal role of health communication in enhancing medication adherence and supporting important health literacy aspects for kidney transplant recipients.