What health literacy challenges does your publication seek to address?
For many people, the process of getting a new kidney is confusing, overwhelming, and complicated. Many people don’t know the right questions to ask, where to get the answers, or which answers are correct.
In addition, the prevalence of kidney failure among Black people is more than four times that of white people, while the prevalence of kidney failure in Hispanic or Latino people is more than twice that of white people, according to the U.S. Renal Data System. Meanwhile, Black Americans are only half as likely to undergo kidney transplant as white Americans and are 25 percent less likely to be added to the transplant waitlist (after adjusting for medical factors and social determinants of health).
What approach does your publication use to address these health literacy challenges?
“Your Guide to Kidney Transplant” uses a patient-centered approach. It’s intended for kidney patients and their support systems, such as spouses, family members, and caregivers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the kidney transplant process, including transplant options, benefits and risks, expectations for caregivers, and kidney donation.
In addition, the free publication boosts awareness of how the transplant process works in Black and Latino populations, and it’s available in both English and Spanish. AKF created the guide as part of its Kidney Health for All™ initiative, which aims to reduce disparities in kidney disease and treatment.
What are your publication’s results to date?
As of Feb. 19, 2025, “Your Guide to Kidney Transplant” had been downloaded 1,887 times—1,725 times in English, and 162 times in Spanish.
Where can people learn more about your publication?
You can find “Your Guide to Kidney Transplant” here.