*Purpose: There is increasing evidence suggesting a high prevalence of inadequate medication adherence among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and its subsequent consequences on health outcomes. We sought to better characterize those individuals more likely to report problems with taking medication by examining associations of adherence with a range of psychosocial factors.

*Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using baseline data extracted from an ongoing clinical trial that enrolled 435 KTRs from two large transplant centers in Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and social determinants of health (SDOH) that might contribute to any known disparities in medication adherence were assessed. Hierarchical generalized linear models were used to explore associations of key covariates with self-reported medication adherence, as measured by the Adherence Starts with Knowledge 12 (ASK-12) scale.

*Results: Among our sample, 52% were non-Hispanic White, 60% male, and 48% employed, and 25% had public insurance coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, or dual Medicaid/Medicare). KTRs who were male, employed, had Medicare coverage alone, had limited health literacy, and reported poorer overall health and higher levels of depression experienced significantly greater problems with medication adherence.

*Conclusions: SDOH, including limited health literacy, as well as overall health status and depressive symptoms, were most strongly associated with poorer medication adherence among a diverse sample of KTRs. Supplemental qualitative research will be conducted to further explore these and other factors in relation to medication adherence in greater detail.

« Back to 2021 American Transplant Congress