Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112965

Eusebio M. Alvaro, PhD, MPH¹, Jason Siegel, PhD¹, Alexander Dominick², and William D. Crano, PhD¹. (1) Psychology Department, Claremont Graduate University, 2424 E. Broadway, Suite 200, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-620-0641, Eusebio.Alvaro@cgu.edu, (2) Arizona Kidney Foundation, 4203 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

While little is known about Hispanic organ donation, there is a dearth of research on their perceptions regarding live organ donation. This is problematic given Hispanics' overrepresentation on organ donation waiting lists. To establish a baseline for a Spanish-language organ donation media campaign, 1200 Hispanic Arizonans were surveyed via telephone. Focus groups complemented the quantitative data. Survey results indicate very positive attitudes (80% in favor of live donation), substantial willingness to become a live donor (50% willing), and some potential barriers. One barrier revolves around issues of discrimination and community benefit; with 40% believing that Hispanics do not receive as many donated organs as Anglos. Interestingly, 37% of those unwilling to be live donors would do so if they could choose a recipient—unfortunately 54% of respondents were unaware that they can indeed choose. Lack of information is also a major barrier with 40% not knowing how to become a live donor. Focus group findings mirror the survey data. Most participants were not aware that live donors could choose their recipients. Moreover, a vast majority believed they were not well informed about the processes and risks involved with live organ donation. Nobody knew how to actually become a live donor. Also of concern is the finding that most participants did not link being on dialysis with needing a kidney transplant. In short, Hispanics may be receptive to live organ donation if prominent barriers can be addressed via education. Perceived inequities may be overcome by live donors choosing their recipients.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will become more knowledgeable about Hispanic perceptions of live organ donation and the potential that it may have for the Hispanic community.
• Participants will learn about the utility of collecting qualitative and quantitative data in a manner that maximizes the impact of each.

Keywords: Hispanic, Behavioral Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.