Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries (January 11 - 14, 2007)

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between Black dialysis patients' social network composition and their knowledge of kidney transplants. The hypothesis is that getting a kidney transplant is influenced by race and socioeconomic status through social network structure, which influences knowledge and attitudes about kidney transplant and leads to the behavior of getting a transplant workup. Research has demonstrated that Black dialysis patients are significantly less likely than their White peers to be evaluated and listed for a kidney transplant. In 2002, the prevalence rate of kidney transplants was 76.6% for White individuals, and 17.6% for Black individuals (U.S. Renal Data System, 2003). The conceptual framework of social network theory guides this investigation and it is hypothesized that a lack of access to heterogeneous social contacts hinders information transaction regarding the benefits of and pathway to renal transplantation. Black individuals have less awareness and knowledge about kidney transplantation (Murray & Conrad, 1999), and they are more likely than white individuals to have a dense, homophilous social network and obtain social support from strong social network ties (Lee & Campbell, 1999). It is hypothesized that the structural attributes of social support networks may account for a lack of cognitive exchanges regarding the benefits and process involved regarding kidney transplant, in turn accounting for fewer kidney transplantations. This research surveys 18-60 year old Black hemodialysis patients in the Chicago area. Social network measurements are used to establish social network 1. structure (i.e. range, density, size), 2. multiplexity, and 3. homogeneity. Questions are also asked to determine the patients' knowledge and attitudes about kidney transplants. Data from this research is analyzed using univariate analyses providing descriptive data of the research respondents, bivariate correlational analyses, regression analyses and survival analysis. This study concludes that there is a relationship between social network structure and knowledge about kidney transplantation. All U. S. dialysis facilities must include a master's level social worker on their team (Code of Federal Regulations, 1976). Therefore significant implications for social work practice result from this study. Social work interventions with dialysis patients that include education and efforts to maximize interested and eligible Black patients' successful pathways to kidney transplantation can be informed by this work. This information may also affect changes in social policy related to reducing racial disparity in kidney transplantation. Code of Federal Regulations (June 3, 1976). Part 405: Federal Health Insurance for the aged and disabled (FR 22511 Sec 405:2163). Subpart U: Conditions for coverage of suppliers of end-stage renal disease [ESRD] services: U. S. Government Printing Office. Lee, B.A. & Campbell, K.E. (1999). Neighbor networks of black and white Americans. In B Wellman (Ed), Networks in the global village: 119-146 Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Murray, L. R., & Conrad, N. E. (1999). Perceptions of kidney transplant by persons with end stage renal disease. ANNA Journal, 26(5), 479-483. U.S. Renal Data System (2003). USRDS 2003 Annual Data Report. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.