Title : African Americans making the decision to become living kidney donors: A phenomenological inquiry
Abstract:
The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore what it is like for African American participants in Greensboro, NC to make the decision to become a living kidney donor. Additionally, their thought processes and experiences while making the decision to be or not to be a donor was explored. There are many reasons why people decide to become organ and living kidney donors. Many studies have been devoted to learning why people have decided to become organ donors or have studied living kidney donors after donation however, few have dealt with the experience while the potential donor is making the donation decision. Eight participants were purposely selected and interviewed in dialysis centers, private homes, and office settings. Data were collected and analyzed to identify experiences central to the problem of LKD among African Americans using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method. QSR NVivo11® software was also used to assist with data management. Five themes emerged describing the essence of the African American experience of making the decision to become a living kidney donor including: Being fearful for my family member’s life; being empathetic towards my family member; being concerned about my own health; being afraid my donated kidney will be damaged and go to waste; being motivated by my faith in God. Understanding the African American experience of making the decision to become a living kidney donor could assist health care providers and leaders with formulating a targeted approach to increase LKD in this at-risk population.
