title: A statewide assessment of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among blacks toward donation.
abstract: This study is part of a developing statewide campaign to increase donation in the black community. Focus groups were conducted to validate information obtained from a market research firm's telephone survey. Among those surveyed, 86.6% indicated they were in favor of donation; 13.4% indicated they were not. The most common reasons for opposition were religious issues and unfamiliarity with the donation process. Among those who were in favor of donation, 65% were some-what likely and very likely to donate; 74% were somewhat likely and very likely to give consent for donation of a loved one's organs. When asked where they would expect to learn about donation, respondents overwhelmingly chose the medical community. Respondents also listed cultural sensitivity as a criterion for choosing who would handle the donation request. A campaign to address identified issues has been developed and will be implemented statewide.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005845:Georgia; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*