Graduate Program
Family and Consumer Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2013
Thesis Director
Lisa Moyer
Thesis Committee Member
Sheila Simons
Thesis Committee Member
Jacquelyn Frank
Abstract
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHH; 2011) has declared that the need for organ transplant in minorities is disproportionately high compared to Caucasians. Of the minority groups represented in the United States, African-Americans are the largest group in need of organ transplantation (USDHH, 2011) and, this group spends more time on the donor organ waiting list than any other minority group (Moore, 2007). The purpose of this study was to explore what factors affect organ donation decision making for college students from ethnic minority groups. In addition, the study looked at mistrust in the medical community and stigmas associated with organ donation.
A total of seven African-American undergraduate college students from a Midwestern university participated in a focus group to explore barriers to organ donation. Results showed that fear of dying, mistrust of the medical establishment, lack of family communication, and a lack of education about organ donation were factors that contributed to the organ donation decision making process for ethnic minorities. A major stigma associated with organ donation was in the event of a medical emergency, medical personnel would end an organ donor's life early if an organ was needed. The findings from this study can provide a foundation for future research in this area, inform educators and policymakers, and help organ donation organizations cater their recruitment strategies.
Recommended Citation
Cannon, Jennifer Yvonne, "Are you in or out?: Qualitative study on factors associated with minorities' decisions about organ donation" (2013). Masters Theses. 1133.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1133
