Clinical Nephrology – Epidemiology – Clinical Trials
Kidney International (2005) 67, 1105–1111; doi:10.1111/j.1523-1755.2005.00176.x
Attitudes and predictive factors for live kidney donation: A comparison of live kidney donors versus nondonors
LYNN STOTHERS, WILLIAM A GOURLAY and LI LIU
Department of Surgery and Division of Urology, University of British Columbia, The Bladder Care Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, University of British Columbia; and Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Correspondence: Dr Lynn Stothers, The Bladder Care Centre, Suite 1B, Koerner Pavilion, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, UBC Campus Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada. E-mail:lynns@interchange.ubc.ca
Received 3 September 2003; Revised 1 May 2004; Re-revised 11 August 2004; Accepted 11 October 2004.
Abstract
Attitudes and predictive factors for live kidney donation: A comparison of live kidney donors versus nondonors.
Background
Live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), although far from risk free, is a reasonably safe procedure for medically suitable donors. We hypothesized that both potential recipients and donors have identifiable and modifiable factors that contribute to the likelihood of LDKT. The objectives of this study were to describe and quantify these factors using anonymous, confidential questionnaires.
Methods
Specifically designed questionnaires addressing personal characteristics, knowledge, and beliefs about LDKT were mailed to 127 previous donors and 387 relatives of patients newly listed on the cadaver transplant wait-list. Ninety-eight (77%) and 243 (63%) responses were returned by donors and nondonors, respectively.
Results
There were significant differences between groups in gender, ethnicity, hours worked per week, and annual income. Significant differences were seen in both knowledge and beliefs about LDKT. Most donors indicated they made their decisions without lengthy deliberation or research about kidney donation. Only 20% of nondonors feel they are well informed about LDKT.
Conclusion
It is likely possible to improve knowledge about LDKT among friends and relations of patients with renal failure, but it is not certain that this will lead to increased donation because most donors don't appear to deliberate or research organ donation before making a commitment to donate. Strategies to educate potential donors should initially focus on the recipient.
Keywords:
attitudes, beliefs, personal characteristics, live kidney donation
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
REVIEWS
Scientific American Mind Perspective (01 Feb 2006)
NEWS AND VIEWS
The case for matching MHC genes in human organ transplantation
Nature Genetics News and Views (01 Nov 1993)
Is MHC matching as a primary criterion in kidney allocation justified?
Nature Genetics News and Views (01 Nov 1993)
RESEARCH
Kidney International Original Article
Patient and allograft survival of Indo Asian and East Asian dialysis patients treated in Canada
Kidney International Original Article
