A Study on the Impact of Chinese Family Culture on Citizens' Voluntary Organ Donation

Abstract

Objectives: Family members’ attitude is the key factor in organ donation. This study aimed to analyze the attitude and willingness of families towards organ donation and to explore the impact of Chinese family culture on voluntary organ donation.Methods: Taking the family as a unit, a total of 15 families (59 family members) were interviewed using the semi-structured interviews.Results: Among the 59 participants, 58 had heard of organ donation, 30 were unwilling to donate organs, 25 had an intention to donate, and 13 were very taboo about it. 29 weren’t giving consent for family members’ donation, only 8 supported families to sign up as donors. Particularly, 7 participants could donate their organs but wouldn’t donate organs of family members. The family culture models were divided into the patriarchal family culture model (4 families), independent family culture model (8 families), patriarchal subversion family culture model (3 families). Based on the influence of social and cultural factors (taking national policy as an example) on the willingness to donate organs of relatives, the family culture models were divided into the stubborn family culture model (3 families), swing family culture model(9 families), and selfless dedication family culture model(3 families). Conclusions: Organ donation is still a taboo topic in Chinese families. Although the patriarchal family cultural model is no longer dominant, the father's thoughts and views still play an essential role in the whole family. Most families belong to the swing family culture model, and the willingness to donate is greatly influenced by social and cultural factors.