Renal transplantation and quality of life in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT), which includes dialysis and kidney transplantation, is the treatment of choice for patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF). Most sub-Saharan African countries have not developed renal transplantation services and are relying on referring patients to overseas countries. This study was carried out to describe renal transplantation experience in Tanzania.Methods: Forty-four renal transplant recipients were recruited in this study. Standardized questionnaire and Swahili version of standard form – 36 (SF-36) were used to collect socio-demographic information, clinical data, laboratory test results and health related quality of life information.Results: Ages of transplant recipient ranged from 21 to 66 years with mean age of 45.9 ± 10.5 years. The leading causes of end stage renal failure among participants was hypertension 58.8% (25/44) followed by glomerulonephritis 15.9% (7/44). Twentyeight (63.6%) of transplantations were paid by the government. Most of the donors (97.7%) were living out of which 26 (59.1%) were siblings and 11 (25%) were second-degree relatives (cousins and nephews). Most common complication noted following transplantation was diabetes mellitus 9 (20.5%) and 3 (6.8%) had chronic rejection. Mental health was the domain with highest mean score (75.6 ± 14.3) and role physical had the least mean score (44 ± 45.6).Conclusions: Hypertension was the leading cause of ESRF in this study. Most of the donors were siblings and the costs of transplantation were largely covered by the government. There is a need for concerted effort to establish local kidney transplantation services in Tanzania.
 Keywords: Renal transplantation, quality of life in transplantation, Tanzania.