An intersectional gender analysis in kidney transplantation: women who donate a kidney

Abstract

Background Living-donor transplantation is the best treatment option in patients with chronic kidney failure. Global data show that women are less likely to be kidney recipients than men but are more likely to become living kidney donors. We explored the experience of women who donate a kidney to relatives with biological and socio-cultural ties and to understand the similarities and differences in their experience. Methods A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study with an intersectional analysis of gender. Ten women donors accepted in the transplant evaluation period participated, all of whom donated a kidney to a pre-dialysis relative. Two categories were included: women with biological kinship ties (mothers, sisters) and women who have a socio-cultural relationship (wives) with kidney recipient. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Women donate their kidneys in a convinced manner, without worrying about their health, with an optimistic and positive attitude, and without believing that they are acting heroically. Women with biological kinship ties see it as a ‘naturalization thing’. In contrast, wives donate conditioned by gender roles, but also as a form of empowerment and as a personal benefit: they donate in order to avoid taking on carer role for their husband and as a way of protecting their children. Conclusion The study’s findings expand the conception of kidney donation as solely altruistic and may help professionals to pay attention to the complexity and intersectionality of features present in women who are living kidney donors.

Disqualification of Donor and Recipient Candidates From the Living Kidney Donation Program: Experience of a Single-Center in Germany

“…Women presented overall more frequently as potential donors, independent of the evaluation outcome, which is analogous to previous published data (22,28). Altruism and a more paternalistic approach of women toward their relatives have been associated with this finding (29). The higher proportion of men in need of a kidney transplant has been documented in other studies as well (12,23), which has been associated to a higher risk of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESKD among men (30).…”

Comparison of Clinical and Biochemical Variables Between Patients on Twice a Week Dialysis Regime Having Different Residual Renal Function – A Jack in the Box

“…A study conducted by us also showed multiple factors that were associated with the refusal of the recommended regime of dialysis (GULZAR et al, 2022). So whatever the reason for refusal it impacts the healthcare system of the country and makes it difficult to deal with the increased number of emergencies (Rota-Musoll et al, 2021).…”

Demographic characteristics of Turkish kidney donors and the impact of donor-recipient relationship on postoperative outcomes: A single-center experience

“…Musol et al evaluated the role of gender in living kidney donation and reported that women related to recipients considered kidney donation as a natural process and donated organs with an optimistic attitude and disregard for their own health. The same study emphasized that wives considered kidney donation as a way to avoid assuming the role of caregiver for their husbands and to protect their children (21).…”