Individual and Dyadic Functioning, Adherence, and Quality of Life After Kidney Transplantation

Following solid organ transplantation, adherence to treatment regime (especially with regard to a reliable intake of immunosuppressant medication) is crucial for transplant survival, and has an impact on the patients' health and morbidity. Approximately 35 % of graft rejection or failure cases in kidney transplant patients are due to insufficient levels of adherence or non-adherence to immunosuppressant medication. Adherence is influenced by both individual and interpersonal aspects in complex interaction. This study aims at investigating individual and dyadic functioning of both patients and their spouses following kidney transplantation. Outcome measures of interest are patient's level of adherence and both patient and spouse's subjective quality of life.