Perspectives on Organ Donation and the Relationship Between Spiritual Beliefs and Willingness to Donate: a Cross-sectional Study of Nigerian Medical and Allied Health Students

Abstract

Introduction This study explored how the spiritual beliefs of medical and allied health students affect their willingness for organ donation. Materials and Methods An online questionnaire developed from interviews and Spirituality Orientation Inventory was used to survey 604 Nigerian medical and allied health students, including questions on students’ views on organ donation, spiritual beliefs, and spiritual reasons for organ donation choices. Descriptive analysis, crosstabulation, and Chi-squared tests, were used to determine proportions, and relationships between the variables, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The majority (72.6%) of students support organ donation in principle. Yet only 38.25% are willing to donate posthumously, with 37.1% undecided, and a mere 16.89% willing to donate while alive. Predominantly, students identify as Christians (87.7%) or Muslims (11.6%). Approximately 43.05% are uncertain if their religion endorses organ donation, while 55.46% aim to follow their religious teachings and 25.99% try to do so. Belief in reincarnation (38.9%) and life after death (72.9%) are prevalent among respondents. Notably, the belief in reincarnation, life after death, and religious adherence significantly influences willingness to donate organs, whether posthumously or while alive (p < 0.05). Conclusion There is a noteworthy disparity between the theoretical support for organ donation and the actual willingness to donate, particularly while alive, among Nigerian students. The strong correlation between specific spiritual beliefs and the willingness to donate organs, emphasizes the substantial influence of spirituality on this decision-making process. There is therefore a need to consider spiritual factors when devising strategies to meet the increasing demand for donor organs.