Level and determinants of willingness to donate organs among the general public: A cross‐sectional survey in China

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the level and determinants of the general public's willingness to organ donation.Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 4261 participants in China. The primary outcome was the willingness to donate organs. Logistic regression modelling was used to determine the factors that affect willingness to donate organs.Results: Overall, the proportion of participants who showed a willingness to donate organs was 47.45% (95%CI: 0.46, 0.49) in this study. Logistic regression modelling showed participants from Western (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.13-1.62) and Eastern China (OR=1.54, 95%CI=1.20-1.66) were more willing to donate organs compared with those from Central China. The odds of being willing to donate organs was higher in females than males (OR=1.34, 95%CI=1.17-1.55); and was higher in those participants with experience of organ donation (OR=1.57, 95%CI=1.12-2.20), experience of caring for organ transplant patients (OR=1.47, 95%CI=1.03-2.10), and those undertaking related voluntary activities (OR=1.68, 95%CI=1.45-1.94), than those without. Conclusion:The general public's level of willingness to organ donation was not high in China. Geographical region, gender, experience of organ donation related activities, taking care of organ transplant patients and volunteering in related activities were independently associated with participants' willingness to donate organs.

Factors affecting acceptance of organ donation in mainland China: A national cross‐sectional study

“…Consistent with many other studies (Al‐Jumah & Abolfotouh, 2011; Chen et al, 2006; Fan et al, 2022; Hernández Rivera et al, 2020; Liu et al, 2020), our study found that female participants are more likely to donate organs compared to male participants. The difference between the personality of man and woman may cause this difference.…”

“…The health literacy questionnaire score was positively related to the donation will. & Abolfotouh, 2011;Fan et al, 2022). Consistent results were observed in blood donors (Chen et al, 2006;Dibaba et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2020).…”

“…The mechanism can be understood by the result of previous studies. Participating in health‐related research or voluntary public welfare activities is related to a high intention to donate (Al‐Jumah & Abolfotouh, 2011; Fan et al, 2022). Consistent results were observed in blood donors (Chen et al, 2006; Dibaba et al, 2020; Liu et al, 2020).…”

“…At the stage of design before we conduct this study, we have done a comprehensive literature review to screen the influencing factors that deserved to be studied. Some studies revealed that the male participants showed a negative attitude toward organ donation (Chen et al, 2006; Fan et al, 2022). The impact of religious belief on the willingness to organ donation is uncertain because the kind of religious belief is mainly influenced by the culture (Abukhaizaran et al, 2018; Hernández Rivera et al, 2020).…”