Date of Conferral

8-11-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)

School

Human Services

Advisor

Dorothy Seabrook

Abstract

African Americans experience disproportionately high rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) yet continue to experience disparities in access to kidney transplantation, the preferred treatment for ESRD. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore the psychosocial barriers to kidney transplantation for African Americans living with ESRD in south Florida. This capstone project was guided by the tenets of intersectionality theory. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with four human services professionals and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed six interconnected themes: a) social support, b) practical barriers, c) psychological and cognitive barriers to transplant navigation, d) sociocultural influences on engagement with transplant workup, e) financial issues, and f) practice related issues. Participants described how factors such as limited support systems, transportation difficulties, financial strain, health literacy challenges, untreated mental health concerns, medical mistrust, cultural beliefs, and delayed referrals may impede successful transplant navigation for African American patients. Findings suggest that these barriers rarely occur in isolation and often compound one another, creating additional challenges for African American transplant candidates. Recommendations include increasing cultural competence training, reducing delays in referral and evaluation, strengthening provider-patient trust and expanding resources to address practice barriers. Positive social change may result from more equitable practices that improve access to kidney transplantation for African Americans living with ESRD.

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