Abstract
Patients requiring kidney transplants have three possible sources: (1) a kidney from an individual who dies suddenly (approval for the transplant must be given by the next-of-kin of the deceased); (2) a kidney from a relative; and (3) a kidney from one who “willed” it to be transplanted following his or her death. Each of these circumstances requires decision making. On the basis of this information, a research program designed to determine the nature of attitudes of blacks toward kidney donations was developed. Results disclosed a lack of knowledge about kidney transplantation; disassociation and lack of communication between blacks and the medical community; religious fears; fears of premature death; and racism.
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