Knowledge of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients on Kidney Transplantation in Morocco

Background. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal treatment for chronic end-stage renal failure. However, it is experiencing a huge delay in Morocco, and the lack of information on this alternative treatment could contribute to this delay. The purpose of our work is to evaluate the knowledge of hemodialysis (HD) on renal transplantation and to propose sensitization and information strategies. Methods. This is a multicenter study conducted in 4 hemodialysis centers in Marrakesh from November to December 2017. An individual questionnaire was submitted to 310 patients concerning sociocultural status, willingness to be transplanted, the main benefits and risks of renal transplantation, knowledge of religious attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation, cost, and survival of the KT. Results. Of the 310 patients, 56% were men, with a mean age of 49.43 +/- 10.3 years. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 6.7 +/- 5.3 years. Only 18% were in school, and 57% had moderate economic status. Of the 310 respondents, 71% said they wanted to be transplanted, and 15.5% believed that Islam was unfavorable by encouraging them to accept the fate that God chose for them. The rest were afraid of multiple complications and returning to dialysis. However, 41.7% thought transplantation was more expensive than hemodialysis. Only 65.8% believed that renal transplantation provided a better quality of life. Conclusions. Raising the awareness of hemodialysis patients and their families is essential to promote KT in Morocco.