The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45184

Eusebio M. Alvaro, PhD, MPH¹, Antonio Robles, MPH², Sara Pace Jones, BS², Michael Burgoon, PhD¹, and Jack Cremin, BS². (1) Health Communication Research Office, University of Arizona, 1522 E. Drachman St., Tucson, AZ 85721-0475, (520)626-8391, ealvaro@u.arizona.edu, (2) Donor Network of Arizona, 310 S. Williams Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711

This study reports the results of an investigation identifying variables that distinguish organ donors from non-donors in a large Hispanic sample. Data was collected via an RDD telephone survey of 600 Spanish dominant Hispanics in a large Southwestern metropolitan area prior to implementation of a mass media campaign targeting organ donation among this group. Analysis of the data revealed a number of differences between Hispanics who self-identified as either donors or non-donors. These two groups can be differentiated by demographic and attitudinal variables. Demographically, donors were found to be significantly: more typically female, acculturated, married, and educated beyond high school. Attitudinally, donors were found to be significantly: more trusting of health care providers, less likely to perceive religious barriers to donation, less likely to fear mistreatment by medical personnel, and less likely to perceive thoughts about donation as morbid. Furthermore, donors were found to be significantly more likely to know both donors and organ recipients and to have had family discussions about donation. The study was also able to delineate mass media and interpersonal communication channels that non-donors would be most receptive to. The implications of these findings for encouraging organ donation among Hispanics are addressed. Moreover, the authors also discuss how these findings influenced the development of a mass media campaign targeting organ donation among Spanish-dominant Hispanics.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to
• describe factors predicting organ donation among Hispanics, and
• discuss the relative merit of different media channels in reaching this population with organ donation information.

Keywords: Hispanic,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Donor Network of Arizona
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Consultant