UCSF

The need and demand for kidney transplantation has a significant impact on the quality and quantity of life of Asian Americans who suffer from end-stage renal disease. However, little is known about the attitudes and knowledge regarding organ donation and transplantation among Asian American adolescents. A cross-sectional study design was used to examine the attitudes and knowledge regarding organ donation and transplantation among Asian American adolescents and factors related to willingness to donate and family discussion. A total sample of 121 Asian American adolescents, 16 and 17 years old who identified themselves as having Asian descent of Japanese, Filipino, Korean or Chinese, was recruited from three high schools on the Big Island of Hawaii. Adolescents completed basic demographic information, the Organ Donation Attitude Survey Modified (M-ODAS), the newly developed Organ Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Survey (ODTK), and the Suinn-Lew Asian Self -Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA). The adolescent's parent or guardian also completed basic demographic information. Linear regression was performed to examine the association between attitudes and knowledge about organ donation and transplantation with willingness to donate and family discussion about organ donation. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were performed on those variables of statistical significance obtained from study constructs. Findings revealed Asian American adolescents have positive attitudes about organ donation are knowledgeable about organ donation issues, are willing to donate, and engaged in family discussion. Results indicate that positive knowledge related to general aspects about organ donation and cultural limitations in receiving an organ transplant, a high level of acculturation, and a low level of negative attitudes are associated with and predict willingness to donate (R2= .402, F=18.86, p=<.005). Asian American adolescents with approving or positive attitudes will engage in family discussion about organ donation (R2=.195, F= 13.85, p=<.005). Significant findings from this study suggest the incorporation of organ donation education in high schools is necessary to reinforce and maintain high knowledge and awareness. Asian American adolescents have the influence to raise organ donation awareness with their parents and families.