Health-Promoting Lifestyle and Its Predictors in Renal Transplant Recipients in Hunan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Kidney transplantation is a critical treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) significantly impacting patient outcomes. HPL involves behaviors like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and habit modification. However, few studies have analyzed the HPL of renal transplant recipients, addressing a significant gap in current research. Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictors of HPL in renal transplant recipients using the Chinese Health Promoting Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled renal transplant recipients completing the revised Chinese HPLP at organ transplant center in a tertiary hospital in Hunan Province of China between May 2022 and July 2022. Results: A total of 450 patients were included, comprising 256 males (56.9%), with a mean age of 44.85 +/- 10.57 years. The mean score of self-actualization, health responsibility, interpersonal support, physical activity, stress management, nutrition, and overall HPLP were 15.27 +/- 5.03 (possible range: 0-24), 11.41 +/- 4.18 (possible range: 0-24), 11.61 +/- 3.13 (possible range: 0-18), 7.53 +/- 3.79 (possible range: 0-18), 12.68 +/- 3.61 (possible range: 0-21), 11.17 +/- 2.41 (possible range: 0-15), and 69.66 +/- 16.98 (possible range: 0- 120), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urban residence (OR = 2.061, 95% CI: 1.350-3.148, P = 0.001), non-smoking after transplantation (OR = 2.010, 95% CI: 1.123-3.600, P = 0.019) and two post-transplant complications (OR=0.387, 95% CI: 0.218-0.689, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Although renal transplant recipients exhibit a moderate level of HPL, targeted interventions are essential to improve these behaviors. These interventions should focus especially on individuals from rural households, post-transplant smokers, and those experiencing post-transplant complications, to enhance their quality of life and clinical outcomes.