Hispanic/Latino concerns about living kidney donation: a focus group study

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Science
• Health Disparities Research
• Sociomedical Sciences

Background:

• Living kidney donation (LKD) is vital for addressing kidney transplant shortages.
• Hispanics/Latinos face disproportionately higher kidney transplant needs but receive fewer LKD transplants.
• Understanding barriers within the Hispanic community is essential to reduce LKD disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate awareness, perceptions, misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and barriers related to LKD among Hispanics.
• To identify specific knowledge deficits and cultural factors influencing LKD decisions in the Hispanic population.

Main Methods:

• Nine focus groups were conducted with 76 adult Hispanics in Chicago, Illinois.
• Participants included kidney transplant recipients, living kidney donors, dialysis patients, and the general Hispanic public.

Main Results:

• Key barriers identified include knowledge deficits regarding LKD, misconceptions about donor health outcomes (life expectancy, fertility, kidney disease risk), and family discouragement.
• Financial concerns (lost wages, inability to pay bills) and logistical issues for undocumented immigrants (insurance, eligibility) were significant barriers.
• Donors expressed a need for information on post-donation self-care to maintain kidney health.

Conclusions:

• Culturally competent interventions are necessary to address knowledge deficits and misconceptions about LKD among Hispanics.
• Targeted strategies are required to overcome financial and logistical barriers to increase LKD participation in the Hispanic community.
• Reducing LKD disparities necessitates culturally sensitive education and support systems for Hispanic donors and recipients.