Term of Award

Fall 2004

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Department

School of Nursing

Committee Chair

Carol Cornwell Strickland

Committee Member 1

Mercy Popoola

Committee Member 2

Marian Tabi

Abstract

Understanding the attitudes and beliefs among African Americans (AA's) about organ donation is essential to improving the rates of donation and ultimately to the health of this unique population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes about organ donation among AA's in Bulloch County, Georgia. A convenience sample included three females and two males between the ages of 22 and 61 years. A crosssectional qualitative design was used in this study. Eight themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis were: religion, blessings/giving, dedication to family, ethics, knowledge of organ donation, decisions to donate, customs, and concerns. These preliminary findings contribute to our understanding ofthe factors that have an impact on whether or not AA's donate their organs. A major finding that emerged from the study was that the participants were not aware of the need for organs within their race.

Areas for further focus in this research include: the development of a culturally/ethnically sound philosophy for education about organ donation, consult AA's with expertise to deliver education; conduct more research with AA's as investigators; and seek funding for increased education regarding organ donation.

Copyright

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