Korean J Adult Nurs.  2026 Feb;38(1):81-93. 10.7475/kjan.2025.0930.

Perceived Threat of the Risk for Graft Rejection and Its Related Factors in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Cross- Sectional Study

• Baek S
• Kim SR
• Kim K
• Park Y

• KMID: 2577900
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2025.0930

Abstract

Purpose
Concern about graft rejection is a major issue among kidney transplant recipients. However, integrated studies that examine diverse factors influencing the perceived threat of the risk of graft rejection (PTGR) remain rare. This study explored levels of PTGR and the factors associated with PTGR in kidney transplant recipients.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 194 kidney transplant recipients recruited from a tertiary hospital in South Korea. The PTGR scale assesses graft-related threat, intrusive anxiety, and lack of control, and was administered alongside measures of transplant-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, social support, and self-efficacy.
Results
Approximately 70.1% of participants reported strong graft-related threat beliefs, 57.2% experienced high intrusive anxiety, and 46.9% reported a low sense of control related to PTGR. Demographic factors (age, gender, education level, and kidney donor), clinical factors (transplant complications, posttransplant duration, and symptoms), and psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression, and social support) were associated with PTGR. Women, higher education levels, longer posttransplant duration, and donor relationship predicted graft-related threat, whereas anxiety and donor relationship predicted intrusive anxiety.
Conclusion
Many kidney transplant recipients experience high levels of PTGR, which are associated with demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Healthcare providers should consider these factors when assessing PTGR and incorporate them into targeted interventions to support kidney transplant recipients.

Keyword

Anxiety; Graft rejection; Kidney transplantation; Perception; Transplant recipients