Developing an Analytic Tool Using a Participatory Research Approach to Examine Gender Differences in the Living...

Area of Science:

• Transplantation research
• Gender studies
• Health equity

Background:

• Sex-disaggregated data reveal a higher proportion of female living kidney donors (LKDs).
• This disparity is often attributed to gender inequities, necessitating a deeper understanding of gender's influence on the donation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an analytical tool for systematic gender analysis of the living kidney donation process.
• To create a framework for understanding how gender norms, roles, and relations impact LKD decisions and experiences.

Main Methods:

• A participatory research approach was employed for co-designing the tool.
• The study involved healthcare professionals, LKDs, and a methodology team.
• A gender analysis matrix (GAM) was iteratively developed.

Main Results:

• A final LKD-GAM with four gender-specific and four context-specific domains was created.
• Domains include resource access, social norms, decision-making, and impacts of donation.
• Identified need for diverse samples and exploration of consent nuances.

Conclusions:

• A robust tool, the LKD-GAM, was developed using a participatory co-design approach.
• This tool will guide future multinational studies on gender disparities in living kidney donation.
• The GAM aims to inform interventions promoting equitable donation practices.