Do the myths still exist? Revisiting people’s negative beliefs about organ donation upon death

Abstract

The prevalence of myths preventing people partial to donation in Australia from consenting is unknown. Respondents (N = 468: 381 donors, 26 non-donors, 61 undecided) were surveyed about their (negative) donation beliefs. Approximately 30% of donors were neutral or supported negative beliefs about organ allocation, especially donation to undesirable organ recipients and a black market organ trade. Confusion about brain death, lack of family and religious support, and discomfort with donation were negative beliefs endorsed by some respondents irrespective of donor preference. Proportionally, donors had greater trust in hospitals/doctors than other groups. Some myths still exist but may vary with donation preference.

Keywords:

• organ donation upon death
• attitudes
• beliefs

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health, Vacation Research Experience Scheme grant to the first and second author. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.