Authors
1 kerman University Of Medical Sciences
2 Tehran University Of Medical Sciences
3 kerman University Of Medical Sciencesi
Abstract
Introduction: Renal transplantation is considered as the first and the most effective approach of
alternative treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although receiving transplant can
improve the quality of life, it may also cause new challenges and anxieties in recipients. To be adopted
with new challenges, patients have to follow coping strategies. This study aimed to deeply understand the
coping strategies used by those undergone renal transplantation to adopt with challenges emerged from
that.
Method: 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews were done to follow the aim of the study. The age of
participants ranged between 18 and 57 years with mean average of 37 years. A purposive sampling was
used to emerge statured data, codes and themes. Using content analysis inspired by Graneheim and
Lundman, all interviews analyzed.
Results: The analysis revealed ten subthemes that finally categories into four themes including: focus on
spirituality, developing self-management and empowerment, improvement of self-reflective practice, and
reality acceptance.
Conclusion: Although it is not possible to say that each coping strategy is used in a specific time
schedule, but it seems that in each step, patients are more likely to use a specific coping strategy.
Therefore, if nurses and family members are aware of this process, they would be better perceiving the
reasons behind renal transplant recipient behaviors. We suggest providing relevant education program for
them. This consequently enables family members and care team to have an active role in supporting
tranplant recipients.
Keywords
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