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Kidney transplantation in Ghana: Is the public ready?
Author(s) -
Boima Vincent,
Ganu Vincent,
Dey Dzifa,
Yorke Ernest,
Yawson Alfred,
Otchere Yvonne,
Nartey Stella,
GyabanMensah Anna,
Lartey Margaret,
MateKole Charles C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/ctr.13061
Subject(s) - medicine , transplantation , kidney transplantation , religiosity , willingness to accept , public health , family medicine , kidney , kidney disease , donation , gerontology , social psychology , nursing , willingness to pay , psychology , economics , microeconomics , economic growth
Background The burden of end stage renal disease ( ESRD ) is reported to be higher among people of African ancestry. The majority do not have access to kidney transplantation. Africans, in general, are less likely to donate a kidney or receive a transplant. Aims This study surveyed public perceptions of kidney transplantation in an inner city and suburban communities in Ghana. It examined people's willingness to either accept or donate a kidney to save a life. In addition, it evaluated factors that influenced their opinion on the issue. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in five purposively selected communities in the Greater Accra region in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and standardized instruments were administered to assess participants’ socio‐demographic characteristics, religiosity and spirituality, and perception of kidney transplantation. Results Of the 480 participants, 233 (48.5%) were willing to donate a kidney; 71.6% would only do so after death. Religion, loss of body part, and cultural values influenced participants’ willingness to donate a kidney. Uncertainty of health status post‐transplantation and uneasiness with the concept of transplantation influenced the participants’ willingness to accept a kidney transplant. Conclusion The study revealed that almost half of the participants hold positive views toward kidney transplantation.