Devising focused strategies to improve organ donor registrations: A cross-sectional study among professional drivers in coastal South India

Abstract

BackgroundIn India, annually, 500,000 people die due to non-availability of organs. Given the large proportion of brain death amongst road accident victims, any improvement in organ donation practices amongst this cohort could potentially address this deficit. In this study, we identify the potential areas for intervention to improve organ donation amongst professional drivers, a population more likely to suffer from road accidents.Methods300 participants were surveyed using a structured, orally-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding organ donation. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify key variables affecting intent to practice.ResultsNearly half our participants had unsatisfactory knowledge and attitude scores. Knowledge and attitude was positively correlated, rs (298) = .247, p < .001, with better scores associated with a higher likelihood of intent to practice organ donation [AOR: 2.23 (1.26–3.94), p = .006; AOR: 12.164 (6.85–21.59), p < .001 respectively]. Lack of family support and fear of donated organs going into medical research were the key barriers for the same [AOR: 0.43 (0.19–0.97), p = .04; AOR: 0.27 (0.09–0.85), p = .02 respectively].ConclusionTargeted health-education, behaviour change communication, and legal interventions, in conjunction, are key to improving organ donor registrations.

Barriers towards deceased organ donation among Indians living globally: an integrative systematic review using narrative synthesis

“… 58 With such reluctance, Indians living in India, UK and Malaysia considered fear of misuse and family refusal as a major reason, alongside minor reasons like emotional barriers, bodily issues and religion. 44 68 75 79 94 95 97 100 104–107 On contrary, the most common reasons to donate an organ was to save someone’s life, closely followed by prolong someone’s life, social commitment, altruistic deed and to keep at least the organs alive. 72 75 91 99 104–111…”

“…However, though there were differences of opinion across and within the religion, majority of the participants agreed that organ donation is not against religious views 38 68 72 88 90 97 101 109 and also considered religion as the very least barrier towards organ donation. 44 45 63 65 68 90 114 115 122 A qualitative study conducted among UK students with Indian origin showed that though individuals felt religion may influence their decision it was not the only factor that that will be considered in such decisions. 27 Yet, favourable opinion of religion towards organ donation was found to be positively correlating with their willingness to donate.…”

“… 58 The similarity identified was that irrespective of their geographical location, this was a collectivist decision and not an individual’s decision 4 85 117 with family, fear and mistrust, and bodily issues identified to be the major barrier. 44 83 85 95 105 107 108 …”

Determinants Influencing Health-Promoting Behaviors in Individuals at High Risk of Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The study found that attitudes were also positively influenced by age and stroke knowledge. It could be explained by the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) model, which proposes that accumulated knowledge about health triggers attitude changes and leads to gradual changes in behavior (Jagadeesh et al, 2018). Compared with younger participants, older participants had a greater desire to maintain a high quality of health, were more knowledgeable about stroke, and were more aware of the possible positive Small effect size, 0.1 ≤ effect < 0.3; medium effect size, 0.3 ≤ effect < 0.5; large effect size, effect ≥ 0.5 (Cohen, 1992).…”