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Abstract: TH-PO815

Using Formative Research to Develop a Healthy Lifestyle Program for Recent Kidney Transplant Recipients

Session Information

Category: Health Maintenance‚ Nutrition‚ and Metabolism

  • 1400 Health Maintenance‚ Nutrition‚ and Metabolism

Authors

  • Gibson, Cheryl, University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
  • Gupta, Aditi, University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
  • Naik, Abhijit S., University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Sullivan, Debra K., University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
  • Doshi, Mona D., University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Lee, Jaehoon, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States
  • Backes, James M., University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
  • Harvey, Susan P., University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
  • Shaffer, Kelly, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Mount, Rebecca, University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
  • Valentine, Heather, University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Background

A significant number of kidney transplant recipients experience weight gain in the first year after transplantation. Post-transplantation weight gain is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, new-onset diabetes, metabolic syndrome and loss of graft function. The objective of this formative research project was to gather data to inform intervention design and implementation of a healthy lifestyle program to counter unnecessary weight gain.

Methods

Recent kidney transplant recipients at the University of Kansas Health System and the University of Michigan Transplant Center were invited to participate in an online survey. Survey items included sociodemographic information, current medications, health conditions, weight change post-transplant, diet behaviors, physical activity participation, and desired features of a healthy lifestyle program.

Results

Fifty-three (38 KS; 15 MI) participants, average age 58 ± 12 years, primarily male, completed surveys. Forty percent gained weight post-transplantation with 19% gaining 10+ pounds. Most indicated struggling with their diet after transplantation, with ratings of current eating habits fair to poor (e.g., too few fruits and vegetables, too much sodium, fat and added sugars). Physical activity (PA) stayed the same (17%) or decreased (40%) post-transplantation with most not regularly participating in PA or resistance training. Many participants (41.5%) indicated they would very likely or definitely participate in a healthy lifestyle program of 6 to 12 months in length. Most wanted online PA and nutrition sessions to meet once or twice weekly with several suggestions about what kinds of information and activities to make part of the program, including healthy eating strategies (e.g., how to eat healthfully at restaurants, grocery shopping tips, recipes), resources for at-home physical activities, access to healthy cooking classes and apps to track both physical activity and food intake.

Conclusion

Gathered information will be used to inform and tailor the healthy lifestyle program for recent kidney transplant recipients. Identifying features of a program for the prevention of unnecessary weight gain with patients’ input is essential for promoting healthy behaviors.