Life on a Challenging Path: Understanding Patients' Experiences of Kidney Transplantation, a Qualitative Content Analysis Study

Objective : Kidney transplantation is one of the alternative treatments for chronic kidney failure. Various cultural, social, and individual factors can influence patients' experiences of kidney transplantation, which may not be adequately examined through quantitative studies. Therefore, this study was conducted using qualitative content analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Methods : This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. Purposeful sampling was initiated and continued until data saturation was reached. The primary method of data collection was semi-structured interviews. A total of 18 participants were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Ethical considerations were applied at all stages of the study. MAXQDA version 10 software was used for data management. Results : The average age of participants in the study was 47.83 years. From the data analysis, four main categories emerged: 1- Concerns about the future (risk of transplant rejection, physical and bodily complications of the transplant, occupational and social limitations), 2- Emotional and spiritual support from others (increased communication with friends and family after the transplant, material and spiritual support from friends, motivation to expand relationships), 3- Stressful thoughts (feelings of depression, worries about test results, concerns about nutritional care), and 4- Financial problems (high costs of medication and transplant, job loss due to disability and limitations, costs of consultations and periodic tests). Conclusion : Kidney transplant patients face various experiences and issues in both personal and social dimensions after the transplant. Based on the understanding of these experiences, health managers and policymakers can implement interventions to enhance the quality of life and address the problems faced by kidney transplant patients.