Toronto, ON, May 29, 2026 — Female patients with kidney failure were significantly less likely to be referred to a transplant centre for assessment, according to a new study from ICES, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), and Western University. The disadvantage widened with increasing age.
“Despite universal access to health care, females are disadvantaged in reaching the first step toward receiving a kidney transplant,” says Dr. Kyla Naylor, an ICES and LHSCRI scientist and an assistant professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “We should be monitoring access to kidney transplantation across diverse demographic groups to better understand the barriers people face and design interventions that effectively address these barriers.”
The study included 17,993 patients diagnosed with kidney failure between November 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, of whom 61.6 per cent were male and 38.4 per cent were female.
Females were referred to a transplant centre for assessment at a lower rate compared to males (14 per cent lower referral rate; 9.35 vs. 10.91 per 100 person-years). The rate of referral was even lower for patients receiving maintenance dialysis. This disadvantage female individuals faced in referral for transplant assessment got worse as age increased (27 per cent less likely to be referred for female patients aged 65 to 75).
No significant differences were observed between males and females in other steps in the transplant process.
“Although the underlying causes of these discrepancies are not yet fully understood, integrating equity-focused approaches into kidney care planning and reporting will help close gaps and advance chronic kidney disease care overall,” says Naylor.
The researchers suggest that sex-based barriers, such as lower self-advocacy, and implicit biases may affect kidney transplant processes.
They explained that older females, even when comparable in age and health to their male peers, may be viewed as more frail, leading to perceptions that they are less suitable candidates for transplantation.
The study “Association between sex and kidney transplant referral, living donor contacts, waitlisting and kidney transplant: a population-based cohort study” is in the May issue of the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease.
ICES is an independent, not-for-profit research and analytics institute that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of healthcare issues. ICES leads cutting-edge studies and analyses evaluating healthcare policy, delivery, and population outcomes. Our knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about healthcare delivery and to develop policy. For the latest ICES news, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn: @ICESOntario
ABOUT LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
At London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), our teams pioneer discoveries that transform the health of adult and paediatric patients around the world. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), we conduct research where patient care is delivered, working alongside patients, families, health-care providers and academic partners like Western University. We are leaders in advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and health conditions through a diverse research program that ranges from laboratory-based science to clinical trials. Our research has a global impact as we build on LHSC’s 150-year legacy of health innovation and drive forward medical breakthroughs that make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Find us online at WWW.LHSCRI.CA and on social media @LHSCRI.
ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
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ICES
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437-317-8804
Justin Zadorsky
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London Health Sciences Centre
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