Race, education, and knowledge of bone marrow registry: Indicators of willingness to donate bone marrow among African Americans and Caucasians

Onitilo, A.A.; Lin, Y.H.; Okonofua, E.C.; Afrin, L.B.; Ariail, J.; Tilley, B.C.

doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.10.019

« Previous Next »Transplantation Proceedings
Volume 36, Issue 10 , Pages 3212-3219, December 2004

Race, education, and knowledge of bone marrow registry: Indicators of willingness to donate bone marrow among African Americans and Caucasians

A.A. Onitilo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology (A.A.O., L.A.), Department of Internal Medicine; Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology (A.A.O., Y.L., E.O., L.A., B.T.); Division of General Internal Medicine (A.A.O., E.O.), Department of Internal Medicine; The Writing Center for Academic Excellence (J.A.), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Marshfield Clinic (A.A.O.), Wausau Center, Wausau, Wisconsin
- Address reprint requests to Dr A.A. Onitilo, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, CSB903, PO Box 250632, Charleston, SC 29414
Y.H. Lin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology (A.A.O., L.A.), Department of Internal Medicine; Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology (A.A.O., Y.L., E.O., L.A., B.T.); Division of General Internal Medicine (A.A.O., E.O.), Department of Internal Medicine; The Writing Center for Academic Excellence (J.A.), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
E.C. Okonofua
- Division of Hematology/Oncology (A.A.O., L.A.), Department of Internal Medicine; Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology (A.A.O., Y.L., E.O., L.A., B.T.); Division of General Internal Medicine (A.A.O., E.O.), Department of Internal Medicine; The Writing Center for Academic Excellence (J.A.), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
L.B. Afrin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology (A.A.O., L.A.), Department of Internal Medicine; Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology (A.A.O., Y.L., E.O., L.A., B.T.); Division of General Internal Medicine (A.A.O., E.O.), Department of Internal Medicine; The Writing Center for Academic Excellence (J.A.), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
J. Ariail
- Division of Hematology/Oncology (A.A.O., L.A.), Department of Internal Medicine; Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology (A.A.O., Y.L., E.O., L.A., B.T.); Division of General Internal Medicine (A.A.O., E.O.), Department of Internal Medicine; The Writing Center for Academic Excellence (J.A.), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
B.C. Tilley

Abstract

Background

As bone marrow transplantation (BMT) increases, the availability of suitable donors becomes critical, especially for African Americans, who require a large donor pool to find a suitable match. Previous studies indicated willingness to donate marrow may be a barrier for achieving a large donor pool.

Methods

We conducted a random-sample, statewide telephone survey of 421 Caucasians and 408 African Americans in South Carolina to determine if racial differences in willingness to donate bone marrow exist. We assessed a general level of willingness, asking, “Will you be willing to be a marrow donor?” We assessed an additional level of willingness, asking, “Are you willing to be contacted about bone marrow donation?”

Results

We detected no racial differences in general willingness to donate (Caucasians 34%, African Americans 32%, P = .52), although there was a difference in willingness to be contacted to sign-up for the registry (Caucasians 18.3%, African Americans 11%, P = .003). African Americans were more aware that better matches occur within the same race (P < .0001). Caucasians were more knowledgeable about the registry (P < .0001). Younger, more highly educated respondents indicated a greater willingness to be donors. In both races, fear of pain was the most common reason for unwillingness to donate, and it was significantly higher in African Americans.

Conclusion

Our study suggests reported lack of general willingness does not explain the racial disparities in BMT. Many who expressed willingness to donate were not willing to be contacted to sign up for the registry, especially African Americans. Education and adequate pain control may improve minority recruitment.