Abstract: A Qualitative Analysis of HBCU Students’ Perspectives on Organ Donation

◆ Hsuan Yuan Huang, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Organ donation is a vital medical procedure that saves thousands of lives annually. While African Americans are among the largest group of minorities in need of an organ transplant, hesitancy to donate organs was also prevalent within the Black community. Raising awareness of organ donation among Black youth as they are coming of age (getting driving licenses) can be crucial in reducing hesitancy. Unfortunately, little is known about the Black young adults’ perspectives on organ donation. With semi-structured interviews, we collected responses from students (N=32) attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Guided by the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills model, this study explored Black young adults’ attitudes and perception of organ donation as well as assessed the influence of media exposure and information sources (i.e., television, social media, websites, and social ties) on their perspectives. Female (n=23) and male (n=9) students, 19-36 years of age completed the interviews. Registered organ donors (n=13) and non-registered organ donors (n=19) were interviewed. Interviews were coded for recurring themes. Participants were aware of organ donation; however, many admitted having little knowledge about the process and family involvement. Further, widespread misinformation on social media created fears that doctors might trade saving lives for organ harvesting. One participant recalled turning to an emergency paramedic called to help her “don’t kill me, I am not an organ donor!” Motivation beliefs include perceived advantages such as saving lives and lives to be lived on through the recipients. One female student recalled doing research on the spot at the DMV, and concluded “it saves lives, and a lot of people know too that it can just by donating organs and you can save up to like 5 to 8 lives. So yeah, life savers, sure, I'm down for it.” Another student told a three-generation story where his grandmother pleaded him to take his name off donor registration as she feared for her only grandson. His parents stepped in but ultimately chose to respect his decision. When at age 16, teens also took their parents’ advice. “My mom told me that they will ask me if I want to be an organ donor and I should do it. I trust my parents to have my best interest,” vice versa for non-organ donors. Firsthand experiences including family members having received, rejected organs, or donated organs, has motivated teens to sign up, changed their perspectives or deepened the misconception that African Americans are often passed over despite being in urgent need of organ transplants. Relevant behavioral skills include having the ability to do their own research and consult different sources, the maturity and open mindedness to make actual decisions than their parents deciding for them. Lack of education and family conversations are common barriers to creating awareness for themselves and the community. Many have seen “Grey’s Anatomy” episodes where a positive light was shed on organ donation that influenced them emotionally. An influx of Black doctor on TikTok or YouTube provided medical advice the Black youth would trust.