Abstract:
To explore health care among post kidney transplanted patients. The key informants were purposively selected from renal transplant recipients who were between 18 and 59 years of age, had successful graft function, and were discharge home for at least one year. Semi-structures in-depth interviews were conducted. The interviews were audiotape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection was halted after 12 interviews. The content analysis method was applied to the interview data. The findings revealed four themes of health care emerged as follows: 1. Health practices to prolong graft survival including: a) being careful with diet, b) adhering to post-transplant medication, c) striving to perform a physical activity/exercise, d) avoiding infection, e) relaxing and resting, and f) keeping follow-up visit. 2. Being cheerful and delighted. 3. Seeking morale support and supporter. 4. Identifying needs and searching for health information. Advanced practice nurses who play a crucial role in health promotion and prevention could utilize the information from this study to promote health practices among post kidney transplanted patients.