Understanding the Attitudes and Factors Influencing Organ Donation Decisions Among University Students in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to identify factors that were important in posthumous organ donation decisions in a developing country such as Pakistan.
 Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted with 50 semi-structured interviews among students of one public and one private university in Lahore (Pakistan) to understand their attitudes and factors influencing their decisions on posthumous organ donations. Purposive sampling technique was used in this study. The interview questions focused on the level of knowledge, motivation and overall attitude towards the posthumous organ donation decision of the respondents.
 Main Findings: There was a lack of general knowledge among university students in Pakistan. Most of the students had a positive attitude for posthumous organ donation yet moral norms are very influential in the decision-making process for organ donation after death. Those who were willing were reluctant because of the influence of family and friends. Religion was also another significant norm factor for prohibiting them to be an organ donor after death.
 Implications/Applications: The present study provided a way in the advancement of knowledge towards an understanding of the attitude, moral norms along with social and family influence for not only intention to donate but also signing the donor card. The findings of the study are useful for the government, policymakers and the organizations in Pakistan in their efforts to increase awareness and organ donation rates in the country.
 Novelty/Originality: The present research was exploratory and the intention for this research was to explore the underlying behavioral and normative beliefs which may inhibit or encourage organ donation among university students. Such qualitative studies are relatively uncommon in transplant literature.

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