Kidney Transplant and the Digital Divide: Is Information and Communication Technology a Barrier or a Bridge to Transplant for African Americans?

ContextBarriers to kidney transplant for African Americans are well documented in the literature. Little information on ownership of information and communication technology and use of such technology in transplant populations has been published.ObjectiveTo characterize racial differences related to ownership and use of information and communication technology in kidney transplant patients.DesignA single-center, cross-sectional survey study.SettingAn urban Midwestern transplant center.Participants78 pretransplant patients and 177 transplant recipients.Main Outcomes MeasuresThe survey consisted of 6 demographic questions, 3 disease-related questions, and 9 technology-related questions. Dichotomous (yes/no) and Likert-scale items were the basis for the survey.ResultsCell phone use was high and comparable between groups (94% in African Americans, 90% in whites, P = .22). A vast majority (75% of African Americans and 74% of whites) reported being “comfortable” sending and receiving text messages. Computer own...