V Boima1, V Ganu2, E Yorke3, D Dey3, M B Amissah-Arthur3, K Agyabeng4, A Yawson4, M Lartey3, C C Mate-Kole5. 1. Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: vboima@ug.edu.gh. 2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. 3. Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. 4. Departments of Community Health and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. 5. Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Department of Psychology, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The main treatment modalities for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are dialysis and kidney transplantation. While kidney transplantation provides better survival and quality of life outcomes, it is a new treatment option in Ghana. Finding kidney donors for transplant may be a major challenge due to varied views of the public. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 purposively selected communities in the Greater Accra region in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and standardized instruments were used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, spirituality, and perception of kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The mean age of the 480 participants was 29.60 ± 10.65 years. The proportion of men was 51%. The average score for knowledge of participants on kidney donation was 4.8 ± 2.6. The level of spirituality score was 25.4 ± 3.89. Approximately 48% (231/480) of participants were willing to donate a kidney while still alive. Willingness to donate when dead was 72% (344/480). Willingness to donate a kidney when dead was significantly lower among the participants in the older age groups. High level of knowledge about kidney transplantation, being employed, basic formal education, and never married were associated with willingness to donate kidney (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that participants have a low level of knowledge regarding kidney transplantation, while about two-thirds are willing to donate only after death. Continuous public education is key to raise public awareness of the need for kidney transplants. This will support the Ministry of Health in their efforts to institute a kidney transplant program in Ghana.
BACKGROUND: The main treatment modalities for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are dialysis and kidney transplantation. While kidney transplantation provides better survival and quality of life outcomes, it is a new treatment option in Ghana. Finding kidney donors for transplant may be a major challenge due to varied views of the public. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 purposively selected communities in the Greater Accra region in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and standardized instruments were used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, spirituality, and perception of kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The mean age of the 480 participants was 29.60 ± 10.65 years. The proportion of men was 51%. The average score for knowledge of participants on kidney donation was 4.8 ± 2.6. The level of spirituality score was 25.4 ± 3.89. Approximately 48% (231/480) of participants were willing to donate a kidney while still alive. Willingness to donate when dead was 72% (344/480). Willingness to donate a kidney when dead was significantly lower among the participants in the older age groups. High level of knowledge about kidney transplantation, being employed, basic formal education, and never married were associated with willingness to donate kidney (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that participants have a low level of knowledge regarding kidney transplantation, while about two-thirds are willing to donate only after death. Continuous public education is key to raise public awareness of the need for kidney transplants. This will support the Ministry of Health in their efforts to institute a kidney transplant program in Ghana.
Authors: Ebiere C Herbertson; Cecile D Lahiri; Jacinta N Nwogu; Rebecca O Soremekun; Olubusola A Olugbake; Oliver C Ezechi; Alani S Akanmu; Monica Gandhi Journal: AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses Date: 2021-04-15 Impact factor: 1.723