ojibwe american indians lived experience with transplantation misty wilkie-condiff, phd, rn bemidji...
TRANSCRIPT
Ojibwe American Indians Lived Experience with Transplantation
Misty Wilkie-Condiff, PhD, RNBemidji State University
Presentation Objectives
1) Summarize statistics explaining why American Indians require kidney transplants
2) Describe one challenge with the transplantation process for Ojibwe American Indians.
3) List two cultural beliefs of Ojibwe American Indians that may affect a decision to donate an organ.
Study Background
• Phenomenological study• Ojibwe participants• Purpose of study was to understand
the lived experience of American Indian organ donors and recipients
American Indian Statistics• More than twice as likely to develop DM
compared to any other race in the US• 68% increase in DM diagnosis from
1994-2004 in 15-19 year-olds• 10-15 times more likely to require
dialysis • Higher education level = more likely to
be a donor or have a signed donor card• Religious beliefs not a factor in organ
donation decisions
American Indian Statistics
• 226% more likely to die from diabetes• 1,300 on transplant waiting list• In 2013, 30 AI were deceased donors• Wait longer than any other race for a
deceased organ
Ojibwe Organ Donor Challenges
• Fear of surgery, rejection of organ in recipient, and potential complications
• Sense of sibling responsibility for organ donation
• Geographical location and extensive travel time to health care facilities
• Long waiting periods for IHS and insurance approval
Ojibwe Organ Donor Findings
• Known to be a giving, helping population
• Volunteers to donate for sibling despite cultural beliefs
• Motivation to improve self-health• No regrets about decision• Desire to share experience with others
to encourage organ donation
Pre-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwe Recipients
• Feelings of immediate hopelessness with DM diagnosis- Family/friends diagnosed- Frequent exposure to amputations and
other complications- Geographical location to dialysis
centers and health care facilities- Eliminating traditional foods from diet
Pre-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwes
• Relying on traditional medicine/cultural practices- Spiritual beliefs- Medicine men- Traditional medicine- Traditional ceremonies
Post-Transplantation Findings for Ojibwes
• New growth of hair• Second chance at life, renewed
energy• Focused on positive, healthy changes
Post-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwes
• Physical changes- Personality changes- Weight gain
• Incorporating medication regimen into daily life
Post-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwes
• Desire to stay spiritually connected• Accepting reality• Waiting for organ rejection & death
Ojibwe Cultural Beliefs Affecting Organ Donation
• More likely to be a living organ donor• Need for body to remain whole• Traditional ceremonies to make organ
donation spiritually acceptable• Recognition of diabetic crisis in
communities
American Indian Cultural Beliefs Affecting Organ Donation
• Cleansing ceremonies to make living organ donation more culturally acceptable
• Family must be aware of decision to be deceased organ donor
• Being a deceased donor isn’t likely due to unknown recipient
• Becoming a living donor is more likely
Summary
• Challenges with geographical location• Living organ donation is increasing• Community education and
communication needed to increase deceased organ donation
• Traditional healers support organ donation
