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Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO860

The Lived Experiences of African American and Latinx Individuals with CKD Using Photo Elicitation

Session Information

Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health

  • 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health

Authors

  • Ashrafi, Sadia Anjum, University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Hernandez, Norman A., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
  • Quintero Silva, Laura, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
  • Hopkins, Katherine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
  • Martinez, Michelle, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
  • Ordaz, Maya, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
  • Raj, Minakshi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
  • Schwingel, Andiara, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) disproportionately affects the lives of African Americans and Latinx, but there remains a knowledge gap about their lived experiences. Therefore, the US healthcare system struggles to address their needs, leading to poorer health outcomes among these populations. This study aims to uncover the lived experiences of African American and Latinx individuals with CKD using a participatory approach to guide the delivery of optimal health care.

Methods

This study employed the photo elicitation technique with 20 individuals with CKD (African Americans = 15 and Latinx = 5). Each participant shared five photos that symbolized their CKD journeys and subsequently discussed these photos during individual Zoom interviews, either in English or Spanish, based on their preferences. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, cleaned, coded, and subjected to reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis of both photos and interview transcripts revealed four key themes. Theme 1 explored "The Burden of CKD: Physical Challenges, Limited Lifestyle, and Emotional Stress," revealing the profound impact of CKD on patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being throughout their journey. Theme 2, "Navigating CKD with Positivity and Support," investigated how participants maintained psychological resilience and received support from their surroundings despite the challenges they faced. Theme 3, "Systemic Challenges in the Journey," addressed the systemic barriers encountered by participants, such as financial constraints, communication barriers, systemic racism within the kidney care system, and limited access to care. Lastly, Theme 4, "Building Bridges in the Kidney Community," underscored participants' endeavors to combat CKD within their communities through advocacy and outreach efforts.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the requirement for a healthcare approach that is more inclusive and equitable, addressing the specific needs and obstacles encountered by these populations. This will lead to improved health outcomes for African American and Latinx individuals with CKD.

Funding

  • Private Foundation Support