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Attitudes toward kidney donation
H S Aghanwa1, A Akinsola, D O Akinola
1Renal Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. h.aghanwa@fsm.ac.fj
Journal of the National Medical Association
|August 26, 2003
Summary
Nigerian health workers and relatives of kidney disease patients show higher willingness for living kidney donation compared to rural dwellers. Awareness and altruism are key drivers, while fear of health consequences is a major barrier.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Nigeria faces a growing need for kidney transplantation services.
- Establishing a successful kidney transplant program requires understanding donor willingness.
- Living-related donation is crucial for kidney transplantation in many regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the willingness of Nigerians to become living-related kidney donors.
- To identify factors influencing attitudes towards kidney donation.
- To inform strategies for increasing the kidney donor pool in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 316 Nigerians: patients' relatives, rural dwellers, and health workers.
- Interviews using a structured schedule to collect socio-demographic data, knowledge, and attitudes.
- Statistical analysis to compare willingness across different demographic groups.
Main Results:
- Willingness to donate kidneys varied significantly: 62% of health workers, 52.1% of relatives, and 27.1% of rural dwellers.
- Health workers and relatives showed higher willingness to donate to close family members (children, siblings, parents).
- Awareness of kidney transplantation was highest among health workers and lowest in rural populations; altruism motivated donors, while fear of adverse health outcomes deterred them.
Conclusions:
- Targeted educational programs are needed to increase awareness and address fears regarding kidney donation safety.
- Promoting altruism and dispelling misconceptions can enhance the availability of living kidney donors.
- Understanding socio-demographic influences is vital for developing effective donor recruitment strategies.