Anne M Huml1,2,3, J Daryl Thornton1,4, Maria Figueroa1, Katrice Cain1, Jacqueline Dolata1, Karen Scott1, Catherine Sullivan1, Ashwini R Sehgal1,2,5,6. 1. 1 Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. 2. 2 Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. 3. 3 Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA. 4. 4 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. 5. 5 Department of Population and Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. 6. 6 Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Organ donation and other altruistic behaviors may be influenced by multiple factors, such as demographic characteristics, religious beliefs, and social norms. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the role of genetic factors on altruism in identical and fraternal twin pairs? DESIGN: Twins attending a twin festival (N = 296) completed an organ donation and altruistic behavior survey. RESULTS: Concordance for stage of change for organ donation was 65% among identical twin pairs versus 33% among fraternal twin pairs (P = .004). Concordance was higher among identical versus fraternal twin pairs for several altruistic behaviors, including giving directions to a stranger (63% vs 24%, P < .001), giving money to a stranger (51% vs 29%, P = .048), donating goods to charity (46% vs 16%, P = .005), and offering a seat on the bus (46% vs 24%, P = .04). DISCUSSION: We conclude that genetic factors may play a role in decisions about organ donation and other altruistic behaviors.
INTRODUCTION: Organ donation and other altruistic behaviors may be influenced by multiple factors, such as demographic characteristics, religious beliefs, and social norms. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the role of genetic factors on altruism in identical and fraternal twin pairs? DESIGN: Twins attending a twin festival (N = 296) completed an organ donation and altruistic behavior survey. RESULTS: Concordance for stage of change for organ donation was 65% among identical twin pairs versus 33% among fraternal twin pairs (P = .004). Concordance was higher among identical versus fraternal twin pairs for several altruistic behaviors, including giving directions to a stranger (63% vs 24%, P < .001), giving money to a stranger (51% vs 29%, P = .048), donating goods to charity (46% vs 16%, P = .005), and offering a seat on the bus (46% vs 24%, P = .04). DISCUSSION: We conclude that genetic factors may play a role in decisions about organ donation and other altruistic behaviors.
Authors: Ole Birger Pedersen; Skytthe Axel; Klaus Rostgaard; Christian Erikstrup; Gustaf Edgren; Kaspar René Nielsen; Henrik Ullum; Kirsten Ohm Kyvik; Henrik Hjalgrim Journal: Transfusion Date: 2015-03-21 Impact factor: 3.157
Authors: N K R Sehgal; C Scallan; C Sullivan; M Cedeño; J Pencak; J Kirkland; K Scott; J D Thornton Journal: Am J Transplant Date: 2016-01-22 Impact factor: 8.086