Māori are highly motivated to seek kidney transplantation but face barriers including social determinants, racism, and lack of information, according to a qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 Māori across New Zealand, including 8 who had received a kidney transplant, 20 with chronic kidney disease, 4 live-kidney donors and 8 family members. Major themes identified were actively seeking a kidney transplant, evolving attitudes toward traditional values and practices, being confronted by interpersonal and systemic racism, poor information and communication, and being challenged by social determinants of health. Barriers faced by Māori impacted both direct experiences of transplantation and access to transplantation services.
