Exploring Donation-related Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Distrust Among African Americans

Within the field of organ donation, multiple studies have shown differences in patterns of trust, however, it is unclear which elements are significantly related to donation decision making among African Americans. This study sought to disentangle the construct of trust by parceling out measures related to the healthcare system, the donation/allocation system, and the physician; and determine the relationship of these dimensions to attitudes toward organ and tissue donation. Cross-sectional survey data were gathered from 585 African American adults residing in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Results indicate that varying dimensions of trust function differently in their influence on attitudes toward donation. Our findings suggest that trust is critical to donation decision-making and should be measured with a multidimensional approach, particularly among racial/ethnic groups with complex histories with the healthcare system. This study underlines the need for a more tailored, individualized approach to promoting organ and tissue donation among African Americans.