Klassen AC, Hall AG, Saksvig B, Curbow B, Klassen DK. Relationship between patients' perceptions of disadvantage and discrimination and listing for kidney transplantation.
Am J Public Health 2002;
92:811-7. [PMID:
11988452 PMCID:
PMC1447166 DOI:
10.2105/ajph.92.5.811]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study explored wait-listing decisions among African American and White men and women eligible for kidney transplants, focusing on lifetime experiences of race and sex discrimination as a possible influence.
METHODS
Patient records from 3 Baltimore-area hemodialysis units were reviewed, and semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with transplant-eligible patients and with unit staff members.
RESULTS
African American patients reported more racial discrimination, and women reported more sex discrimination. Women and older patients were less likely to be placed on the waiting list, as were patients with previous experiences of racial discrimination. Discrimination measures predicted list access more strongly than patient race.
CONCLUSIONS
Lifetime experience of and response to discrimination may contribute to race and sex differences in access to care and should be included in research on health care disparities.
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