The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55718

Michelle Annmarie Doldren, MPH, CHES¹, Kimberly Jacob-Arriola, PhD, MPH¹, and Jennie P. Perryman, RN, PhD². (1) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, NE, Rm.512, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-727-2386, mdoldre@sph.emory.edu, (2) Emory Transplant Center, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, NE, Box 7, Atlanta, GA 30322

Insufficient organ and tissue donation remains the major barrier to transplantation today. The literature is replete with studies of negative attitudes toward organ donation, many of which appear to be shared by members of racial and ethic minority groups (Callender, 1987). Often the barriers reported are based on religious beliefs and fears (Davidson & Devney, 1991). From a historical perspective, the transplant community has been cognizant of the importance of religious theology and the role that clergy play in organ donation decisions. However, there is little understanding of African American clergy attitudes and opinions surrounding donation and transplantation.

The current study is the first phase of a larger study that sought to test the effectiveness of a culturally-sensitive organ and tissue donation intervention for African American parishioners, their families, and clergy. Qualitative research in the form of focus groups was conducted to assess attitudes and opinions surrounding the topic of organ and tissue donation among African American clergy. A total of 4 focus groups were conducted, and clergy were recruited from nine randomly assigned churches (N=28). Topics covered during the focus groups included personal views and experiences, religious beliefs, myths, and knowledge regarding organ and tissue donation. The data were collected and analyzed using the grounded theory approach, and constant comparative analysis was used to generate salient themes. The themes will be presented and subsequently used to develop an intervention for African American clergy and other leaders of African American religious organizations.

Learning Objectives:

The learner will be able to
• describe barriers identified by African American clergy in discussing organ and tissue donation with their parishioners
• discuss cultural issues related to organ and tissue donation among the African-American religious community and
• identify certain concerns that African American clergy are faced with in discussing organ and tissue donation with their families and congregants.

Keywords: Faith Community,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.