G Kobus1, J S Malyszko2, Jolanta Małyszko3. 1. Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. 2. 1(st) Department of Nephrology with Dialysis Unit, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. 3. 2nd Nephrology Department, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. Electronic address: jolmal@poczta.onet.pl.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Religious issues may be a significant reason for the lack of organs for transplantation. Younger people have a more enthusiastic attitude toward organ donation. The goal of the present study was to determine whether age and religion affect people's attitudes to organ transplantation. METHODS: This trial was a diagnostic poll study using an original survey questionnaire involving 1273 people living in Podlaskie Voivodeship. RESULTS: Treatment with the use of organs from dead donors was approved by 88.3% of the respondents aged ≤60 years and 70.5% of those aged >60 years; the highest number of those who opposed this procedure occurred in the group aged >60 years (22.3%). Baptists approved of the method more often than persons of other religions; Muslims disapproved of it more often than others (25%). Approximately 96% of the participants, regardless of religion, had a positive attitude toward organ transplantation, but only 81% aged >60 years had a positive attitude toward organ donation; there were significantly more Catholics in this group (P < .026). In the group aged >60 years, 63.8% expressed their consent; 66.7% of them were Muslims and Baptists. Approximately 86% of persons aged ≤60 years were willing to donate their own organs after death. These people were significantly more often Catholic (P < .045). CONCLUSIONS: Age and religion have a considerable influence on positive attitudes toward transplantation. The majority of younger people, as well as Catholics, approve of the removal of organs from living donors and from dead donors.
BACKGROUND: Religious issues may be a significant reason for the lack of organs for transplantation. Younger people have a more enthusiastic attitude toward organ donation. The goal of the present study was to determine whether age and religion affect people's attitudes to organ transplantation. METHODS: This trial was a diagnostic poll study using an original survey questionnaire involving 1273 people living in Podlaskie Voivodeship. RESULTS: Treatment with the use of organs from dead donors was approved by 88.3% of the respondents aged ≤60 years and 70.5% of those aged >60 years; the highest number of those who opposed this procedure occurred in the group aged >60 years (22.3%). Baptists approved of the method more often than persons of other religions; Muslims disapproved of it more often than others (25%). Approximately 96% of the participants, regardless of religion, had a positive attitude toward organ transplantation, but only 81% aged >60 years had a positive attitude toward organ donation; there were significantly more Catholics in this group (P < .026). In the group aged >60 years, 63.8% expressed their consent; 66.7% of them were Muslims and Baptists. Approximately 86% of persons aged ≤60 years were willing to donate their own organs after death. These people were significantly more often Catholic (P < .045). CONCLUSIONS: Age and religion have a considerable influence on positive attitudes toward transplantation. The majority of younger people, as well as Catholics, approve of the removal of organs from living donors and from dead donors.