Recorded presentation

Nancy L. Fahrenwald, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, South Dakota State University, Box 2275, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4098, Nancy_Fahrenwald@sdstate.edu and Wendy Stabnow, Oglala Lakota College of Nursing, P.O. Box 861, Pine Ridge, SD 57770.

Increasing organ donation intent and consent rates among American Indians is a critical public health issue. American Indians experience disproportionately high rates of type-2 diabetes and hypertension, which contribute to an urgent need for kidney donors. Unfortunately, American Indians are less likely to consent to organ donation than the general population. This qualitative study examined the knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs related to organ and tissue donation among Lakota Sioux Indians (n=20). Findings from this phenomenological study indicate that there is a need to increase knowledge of the donation process and improve relationships with health care facilities that request donation. Favorable beliefs and practices related to donation are stronger when people can identify with a donor family or recipient. Results of this study informed the design and implementation of a culturally-competent intervention to increase organ, eye and tissue donation among Lakota Sioux Indians. Funding source: NIH #1 R25 GM62002-01.

Learning Objectives:

• Document the need for organ donation among American Indian people as an important public health disparity.
• Describe the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices related to organ and tissue donation among Lakota Sioux Indians.
• Suggest intervention strategies to increase intent to become an organ and/or tissue donor among Lakota Sioux Indians.

Keywords: Public Health Education and Health Promotion, American Indians

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.

Recorded presentation