FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH eHEALTH USE IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

TANG J^1,2, LEE V^1,2, GUHA C^1,2, DOMINELLO A^1,2, BLAZEK K^1,2, TEIXEIRA-PINTO A^1,2, ROGER S⁴, KEUNG K⁵, HOWELL M^1,2, TONG A^1,2, WONG G^1,2,3

¹Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia, ²Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia, ³Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead , Australia, ⁴Renal research, Gosford, Australia, ⁵Prince of Wales, Randwick, Australia

Aim: To determine the factors associated with eHealth use in kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Kidney transplant recipients require high-level care with complex management regimens. eHealth maintains continuity of care by delivering healthcare provisions and supporting self-care.

Methods: We conducted a self-reported survey between June – November 2020 (aged ≥ 18 years) in 3 transplanting units (NSW) and via the BEAT-CKD consumer network. Multivariable and LASSO logistic regression modelling was used to determine factors associated with eHealth user status compared to non-eHealth (or previous) user.

Results: Of 117 invited, 91 (response rate 77%) completed the survey. Mean age was 51 years (SD 15), mostly male (59%) and 73% were transplanted 12 months prior. A total of 63 participants (69%) were current eHealth users (active use of devices and/or tools for health), 91% had access to eHealth devices, including smartphones (81%) and desktop/laptop computers (59%). Most participants (98%) reported eHealth use improves post-transplant care including online medication refills (80%), reliable medical information (70%), and access to electronic booking appointments (69%). Approximately, 30% reported adequate eHealth literacy (eHealth literacy scale [eHEALS] scores ≥ 32). Factors associated with increased eHealth use (OR (95%CI)) were higher eHEALS score (1.21, 1.06-1.38), younger age (1.05, 1.00-1.11), higher education (7.78, 2.19-27.7) and recipients that only spoke English at home (2.95, 0.87-10.0). Findings from the LASSO model were consistent with the regression analysis.

Conclusion: Transplant recipients believe that eHealth interventions have the potential to improve their post-transplant care. eHealth interventions should meet the needs of all transplant recipients and ensure accessibility by those with lower eHealth literacy, older age, less educated, and non-English speaking.

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