Family support and survival among African-American end-stage renal disease patients

Family support is a critical factor in the survival of African-American end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Research suggests that survival among ESRD patients is related to the quality of family support. There is empirical evidence for low family support as a risk factor for early mortality among African-American ESRD patients. This review describes findings from studies linking family support and patient survival in African-American ESRD patients. It also discusses findings that suggest treatment adherence as a mediator between family support and patient survival. Finally, the implications for clinical practice and future research with African-American ESRD patients are discussed.