Black/African Americans (B/AA) are less likely to seek kidney transplantation or complete the pre-transplant medical evaluation despite higher prevalence rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To better understand the barriers and motivators to completing the evaluation process, a qualitative study was conducted to categorize and elucidate the relationships between these factors. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted using a purposeful sample of B/AA patients (N=30) and transplant professionals (N=23). Thematic analyses revealed a multitude of factors impacting patients at individual and systemic levels, including health and informational/educational-related factors. A theoretical framework demonstrating how socioeconomic issues are the driving force for many the barriers faced by this population is presented. This study provides a structure for understanding impediments to and facilitators of completion of the medical evaluation. The theoretical framework developed can help guide intervention work to create parity in access to transplantation and tackle systemic barriers that perpetuate health disparities.

CITATION INFORMATION: Nonterah C., Gardiner H., Vavra D. A Theoretical Framework to Explain Factors That Impact Completion of the Medical Evaluation Process for African American (AA) End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patient Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

« Back to 2018 American Transplant Congress