Lived Experiences of Kidney Transplant Patients at Selected Referral Hospital in Rwanda: A Phenomenological Study

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease, offering better survival and quality of life than dialysis. However, patients must manage lifelong medication, follow-up, and lifestyle adjustments. While post-transplant experiences are well documented in high-income countries, little is known about kidney transplant patients in Rwanda. Understanding the experiences of patients who received transplants abroad is important. This study explored the lived experiences of kidney transplant patients attending follow-up care at a referral hospital in Rwanda.

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda. Thirteen purposively selected patients participated in interviews between March 21 and April 17, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive phenomenological thematic analysis. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Five themes emerged: improved quality of life, emotional challenges, medical management, healthcare system challenges, and cross-cultural challenges. Participants reported systemic gaps, including a shortage of specialists, expensive tests, limited support services, and cross-cultural barriers when treated abroad.

Although transplantation improves health and quality of life, recipients continue to face clinical, psychosocial, and financial challenges. Findings highlight the need for holistic, culturally sensitive post-transplant care and strengthened financial support to improve long-term outcomes.