Psychosocial factors associated with ethnic differences in transplantation

Purpose of review Ethnic minorities in the United States are overrepresented among patients in need of organ transplantation. This review highlights how psychosocial factors are associated with ethnic differences in the use of transplantation to treat end-stage organ disease. Recent findings Recent empirical work has examined ethnic group differences in deceased organ donation, living organ donation, willingness to undergo transplantation, and choosing living versus deceased organ transplantation. There are marked differences, however, in the extent of available research across types of transplantation, with the bulk of research focusing on kidney transplantation. Summary Psychosocial factors, including mistrust of the medical system, perceived discrimination, social support and coping, and transplant knowledge and attitudes, are associated with ethnic differences in solid organ donation and transplantation. Recent research demonstrates that ethnic minorities are less willing to donate organs for a variety of psychosocial reasons. There is a paucity of research focused on ethnic minority groups other than African-Americans and considering end-organ diseases aside from kidney failure. Finally, studies of ethnic differences in transplantation are often limited by cross-sectional designs. Longitudinal research would better indicate whether known ethnic differences in psychosocial factors predict differences in physical or mental health outcomes after donation and transplantation.