Public attitudes toward organ donation- A survey in a Turkish community

Abstract

A survey of public attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation was conducted in a Turkish community. The 1030 subjects were chosen using a random, stratified method. Some 50.5 % of those interviewed were willing to donate their organs while 33.7 % refused and 15.8 % were uncertain. A total of 53.6% said they would consent to donate a deceased relative's organs. Reasons for refusal to donate organs were as follows: fear that their body would be cut into pieces (43.8 %), religious beliefs (26.2%), no reason (23.1%) and the belief that they would need their body and organs for their second life (6.9 % ). Attitudes toward organ donation were clearly related to level of education, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.