Attitudes Toward Organ Transplantation

Transplant Proc. 2023 Jan-Feb;55(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.12.006. Epub 2023 Jan 21.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of transplantation is to improve the health or save the life of the recipient. Although organ transplantation is a method generally accepted by society, there are still people who, referring to moral and ethical aspects, reject its validity. A great threat to transplantology is also the lack of knowledge of the society resulting from insufficient education.

Aim: The aim of this study was to find out attitudes and opinions about organ transplantation and to determine the level of acceptance of organ and tissue transplantation.

Methods: The tool chosen for the study was a survey questionnaire. The research group consisted of 200 people. Approval from the Bioethics Committee was obtained to conduct the study.

Results: The studies showed that more than half of the respondents (57%) would agree to organ donation for transplantation after the death of a loved one. Age was found to be statistically significant (P = .001). Older people showed more doubts about transplantation than people under 30. Over 80% of respondents agreed that initiatives to educate the public about transplantation are needed.

Conclusions: The respondents refer to transplantation positively as a method of treating and saving life, and more than half of respondents would agree to donate their organs for transplant after the death of a loved one. The majority of respondents described their attitude toward transplantation as positive, admitting that the objection to donating is due to the ignorance and too little awareness on the subject.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Morals
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tissue Donors
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement*