Health and Treatment-Related Anxiety among Kidney Transplant Recipients in Kazakhstan

Aruzhan Asanova 1, Aidos K. Bolatov 1 2 * , Deniza Suleimenova 1 3, Yelnur Khazhgaliyeva 1, Yuriy Pya 4
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1 Department of Science, “University Medical Center” Corporate Fund, Astana, Kazakhstan
2 School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
3 School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
4 Clinical Academic Department of Cardiac Surgery, “University Medical Center” Corporate Fund, Astana, Kazakhstan
* Corresponding Author
J CLIN MED KAZ, Volume 22, Issue 4, pp. 20-28. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/16671
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Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A. A., A. B. and Y. P.; methodology, A. A. and A. B.; validation, A. A., A. B. and D. S.; formal analysis, A. B.; investigation, A. A., D. S. and Y. K.; resources, A. A.; data curation, A. A., D. S. and Y. K.; writing – original draft preparation, A. A. and A. B.; writing – review and editing, D. S., Y. K.  and Y. P.; visualization, not applicable; supervision, Y. P.; project administration, A. A. and Y. P.; funding acquisition, Y. P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Ethics approval consent to participate: The study followed the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Local Bioethics Commission of the “University Medical Center” (Protocol No. 3, 14 July 2023). All participants gave informed consent online or by phone after receiving full study information. Data were collected anonymously, securely stored, and participation was voluntary, with no risk or consequences for withdrawal.

Data availability statement: The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors on request.

ABSTRACT

Background: Kidney transplantation (KTx) is a life-saving intervention, but post-transplant psychological well-being and treatment adherence remain critical challenges. This study aimed to (1) develop and validate a Health and Treatment-Related Anxiety Scale in Kazakh- and Russian-languages, (2) identify predictors of such anxiety, and (3) examine its impact on adherence to treatment and well-being among kidney transplant recipients in Kazakhstan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 adult kidney transplant recipients. The newly developed anxiety scale was tested for psychometric validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency and criterion-related validity were assessed through item-rest correlations and correlation with related outcomes. Multiple linear regression and mediation models were used to identify predictors of health and treatment-related anxiety and psychological mechanisms affecting treatment adherence and well-being.
Results: The scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties with a one-factor structure and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.893). Anxiety negatively correlated with both treatment adherence (p<0.001). Regression analysis identified employment under disability status and perceived availability of post-KTx monitoring as protective factors. Emotional support and anxiety levels significantly predicted treatment adherence. Mediation analyses revealed that anxiety partially mediated the relationship between perceived post-KTx monitoring and both adherence and well-being (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The validated anxiety scale is a reliable tool for assessing psychological vulnerability in kidney transplant recipients. Addressing treatment-related anxiety may enhance post-transplant care by improving both adherence and emotional well-being.
Keywords: kidney transplantation, anxiety, validation, adherence, well-being

CITATION

Asanova A, Bolatov AK, Suleimenova D, Khazhgaliyeva Y, Pya Y. Health and Treatment-Related Anxiety among Kidney Transplant Recipients in Kazakhstan. J CLIN MED KAZ. 2025;22(4):20-8. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/16671

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