Attitudes, beliefs and behaviors surrounding organ donation among Hispanic women

Abstract

Purpose of review: Hispanic individuals are disproportionately in need of donor organs and are less likely to consent to donation than their non-Hispanic counterparts. This review addresses psychological constructs that include the attitudes and beliefs that surround organ donation within Hispanic communities and highlights the importance of women in the domain of organ donation.

Recent findings: Attitudes toward living and posthumous donation are favorable. Mistrust of the medical profession, concerns about religious acceptance of donation, perceptions of inequity in the distribution of donated organs, and the context in which donation requests typically are made all serve as barriers to consent. Women are more likely to consent to donation than are men.

Summary: Hispanic-American groups are heterogeneous. Culturally sensitive approaches to communicating a donation request must consider ethnic origin and language preference. Family discussion of donation should be encouraged by the medical community as part of healthcare decision-making (independent of death or crisis); women may serve as an excellent bridge between healthcare providers and families in this regard.