DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/FJWF-QS58
Defense Date
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Susan Bodnar-Deren, PhD
Second Advisor
Julie Honnold, PhD
Third Advisor
Heather Traino, PhD
Abstract
End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a growing epidemic impacting the United States. While the optimal treatment for ESRD is renal replacement, barriers exist making this treatment difficult and sometimes impossible for patients to pursue. One potential solution to existing barriers is to encourage patients to actively seek living donors. This is an inherently communicative and social process. The Theory of Motivated Information Management (TMIM) offers a framework for understanding factors that contribute to patients’ conversations about transplantation with their social networks. It is also possible that Patient Empowerment can add to this model, and inform future patient education.
Specific variables related to the TMIM and Patient Empowerment are analyzed in bivariate and logistic regression analyses.
Variables that were significant in bivariate analysis did not rise to the level of significance when included in a full logistic regression analysis. Study results and outcomes suggest that further research is warranted.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-13-2016