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Renal disease and black Americans: selected issues
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059.
Insights
Black Americans experience higher rates of hypertension and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study explores reasons for higher ESRD incidence and lower organ donation rates among Black individuals, considering altruism
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Black Americans exhibit disproportionately higher rates of hypertension and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to white Americans.
- Accelerated hypertension frequently leads to renal disease, contributing to disparities in ESRD incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying reasons for the increased incidence of ESRD among Black Americans.
- To examine factors contributing to lower organ (kidney) donation rates in the Black community compared to the white community.
- To explore the role of altruism in influencing organ donation willingness among Black individuals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing data on hypertension, ESRD, and organ donation disparities.
- Exploration of socio-cultural and psychological factors influencing organ donation decisions.
- Examination of the concept of altruism within the context of organ donation in Black communities.
Main Results:
- Black Americans face a higher burden of hypertensive renal disease, leading to greater ESRD incidence.
- Reluctance to donate organs for transplantation is observed more frequently in Black individuals than in white individuals.
- Altruism is identified as a potential, yet underexplored, factor influencing organ donation willingness.
Conclusions:
- Addressing disparities in hypertension and ESRD requires targeted public health interventions for Black Americans.
- Understanding and addressing barriers to organ donation is crucial for increasing transplantation rates in the Black community.
- Further research into the role of altruism and other socio-cultural factors is needed to promote organ donation among Black individuals.
Abstract:
Black Americans compared with their white counterparts are disproportionately hypertensive and have a greater incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal disease is a frequent end point of accelerated hypertension. The reasons why black Americans have a higher incidence of ESRD relative to white Americans are explored. As transplantation is a preferred mode of treatment for chronically ill ESRD patients, the paper examines some of the reasons why blacks are more reluctant than whites to donate their organs (e.g. kidneys) for transplantation. Although various reasons affect organ donation, altruism is explored as a possible factor that may influence the willingness of blacks to donate their organs.