Factors associated with (un)willingness to be an organ donor: importance of public exposure and knowledge

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Abstract
Transplantation is increasingly limited by the supply of donor organs. Identifying subgroups that do not support organ donation will allow targeted efforts to increase organ donation. A total of 185 non-acutely ill outpatients visiting a community physician's office voluntarily completed a survey designed to capture views and general knowledge/misconceptions about cadaveric organ donation/transplantation. Of 185 patients, 86 were willing to donate, 42 were unwilling, and 57 were unsure. Willingness to donate was significantly associated with: having discussed the topic with family; having known a cadaveric organ donor; age 55 yr; having graduated high school; recognizing the organ shortage as the primary problem in transplantation; having received a post-high school degree; having seen public information within 30 d; and having a family member in health care (all p</=0.05). Not significant were: gender; race; religious affiliation or regular church attendance; knowing a transplant recipient or wait-listed patient; and having easy internet access. Those unwilling/unsure more often thought: organ allocation is based on race/income; organ donation is expensive for the donor family; designated donors may not receive full emergency room care; a brain-dead person can recover. Intense efforts to improve public awareness and knowledge about organ donation/transplantation are necessary to maximize donation and the overall success of transplantation.