1. Ojibwe American Indians Lived Experience with Transplantation Misty Wilkie-Condiff, PhD, RN Bemidji State University

2. Presentation Objectives
Summarize statistics explaining why American Indians require kidney transplants
Describe one challenge with the transplantation process for Ojibwe American Indians.
List two cultural beliefs of Ojibwe American Indians that may affect a decision to donate an organ.

3. Study Background Phenomenological study Ojibwe participants
Purpose of study was to understand the lived experience of American Indian organ donors and recipients

4. 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 in 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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
Longest wait of any racial or ethnic minority population between initiation of renal dialysis and receipt of deceased donor kidney transplant. (Hall, Choi, Xu, O’Hare, & Chertow, 2011)
AI experience significant socioeconomic barriers including poverty, rural residence, and lack of health insurance to accessing the nat’l transplant waiting list

9. Pre-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwes
Relying on traditional medicine/cultural practices
Spiritual beliefs
Medicine men
Traditional medicine
Traditional ceremonies

10. Post-Transplantation Findings for Ojibwes
New growth of hair
Second chance at life, renewed energy
Focused on positive, healthy changes

11. Post-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwes
Physical changes
Personality changes
Weight gain
Incorporating medication regimen into daily life

12. Post-Transplantation Challenges for Ojibwes
Desire to stay spiritually connected
Accepting reality
Waiting for organ rejection & death

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

18. Questions?
Contact Information:
Misty Wilkie-Condiff, PhD, RN