Knowledge and Attitudes of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients on Kidney Transplantation in Niger

Abstract

Introduction: The management of end-stage chronic kidney disease uses different techniques of extrarenal blood purification and kidney transplantation, which is currently the best treatment for end-stage kidney disease. However, this therapeutic option is unknown to many of our patients. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of chronic hemodialysis patients regarding kidney transplantation in the Nephrology-Hemodialysis Department of the Amirou Boubacar Diallo National Hospital in Niamey. Patients and methods: This was a Knowledge and Attitudes survey from March 15 to June 15, 2024, covering chronic hemodialysis patients with more than three months of hemodialysis and who had given their consent. Results: The age group from 41 to 55 years old was the most represented with 39.49% and a mean age of 44.84 years. The male sex was predominant with 71.43%. 91.5% of our patients resided in Niamey and had a duration on dialysis of less than 24 months in 43.68% of cases. Our patients claimed to be informed about Kidney Transplantation in 98.33% of cases but did not know the cost and risks of Kidney Transplantation in 79.66% and 55.83% of cases, respectively. 57% of our patients wanted to be transplanted, 60.5% thought that Kidney Transplantation is a good thing and 39.5% thought that it is a bad thing. There was a statistically significant association between low socioeconomic status and rejection of the kidney transplant option. Conclusion: It is essential to inform patients with chronic kidney failure about kidney transplantation.