Barriers to Living Donation Among Low-Resource Hispanics

Abstract

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by renal failure. Although living donation has been heralded as a potential means for alleviating the need for transplantable kidneys, a nuanced understanding of the obstacles faced by Hispanics is necessary. In our study, we conducted focus groups with 28 first-generation Spanish-dominant Hispanic renal patients. Although some of the barriers that emerged were akin to those reported in previous research (e.g., a lack of knowledge about the process), others were unique. Rarely chronicled barriers include the disqualification of family members because of medical issues, potential donors being unable to miss work, disqualification of family members who are undocumented, concern that potential donors cannot support their family if they donate, and declining social support because of illness. The interaction among this constellation of barriers makes living donation particularly difficult among this population. Investigations focused on the unique barriers faced by these low-resource individuals are warranted.