A Theoretical Investigation of Predictors of African-American, Caucasian, and Latinos Intentions to Register as Organ Donors

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Paper Session: Health Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

African Americans and Latinos consent to organ donation at lower rates than Caucasians and are disproportionately represented on transplant waiting lists. However, limited work has investigated ethnic differences in predictors of organ donation registration. In this study, we investigate potential ethnic differences in predictors of registration intentions among African- Americans, Caucasians, and Latinos. Non-donors (N = 307) were recruited in a stratified random telephone survey in Illinois. Our results indicate that for Caucasians and Latinos, attitude and social norm were the strongest predictors of intention to donate one’s organs. For African- Americans, social norm, bodily integrity, medical mistrust, and perceived realism arose as the strongest predictors of intention. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, as well as avenues for future research.

Authors

• Tobias Reynolds-Tylus, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Brian L. Quick, U of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign