Illness Perceptions and Medication Nonadherence to Immunosuppressants After Successful Kidney Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Medication nonadherence to immunosuppressants is a well-known risk factor for suboptimal health outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study examined the relationship between illness perceptions and medication nonadherence in prevalent Dutch KTRs and whether this relationship depended on post-transplant time. Methods: Eligible KTRs transplanted in Leiden University Medical Center were invited for this cross-sectional study. The illness perceptions and medication nonadherence were measured via validated questionnaires. Associations between illness perceptions and medication nonadherence were investigated using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: For the study, 627 participating KTRs were analyzed. 203 (32.4%) KTRs were considered nonadherent to their immunosuppressants with “taking medication more than 2 h from the prescribed dosing time” as the most prevalent nonadherent behaviour (n = 171; 27.3%). Three illness perceptions were significantly associated with medication nonadherence: illness identity (adjusted odds ratio [OR(adj)] = 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.14), concern (OR(adj) = 1.07; 95%CI,1.00–1.14), and illness coherence (OR(adj) = 1.11; 95%CI,1.01–1.22). The relationships between illness perceptions and medication nonadherence did not differ depending on post-transplant time (p-values ranged from 0.48 to 0.96). Conclusion: Stronger negative illness perceptions are associated with medication nonadherence to immunosuppressants. Targeting negative illness perceptions by means of psychoeducational interventions could optimize medication adherence and consequently improve health outcomes in KTRs.