Factors predictive of signed consent for posthumous organ donation

The shortage of organs for transplantation has led public health authorities to invest significant efforts in the promotion of organ donation.

To identify factors predictive of signed consent for posthumous organ donation by using the theory of planned behavior.

A random sample of 602 adults completed a questionnaire at baseline, and behavior was self-reported 15 months later.

Logistic regression indicated that intention, perceived behavioral control, moral norm, and past behavior were factors predictive of consent for posthumous organ donation. Participants' perceived behavioral control, past behavior, and moral norm were also predictive of intention to sign, but attitude and perceived barriers were 2 additional determinants. Finally, anticipated regret and knowledge of persons who had made an organ donation were 2 moderators of the intention-behavior relationship.

Overall, the results showed that intention is an important determinant of signing the organ donor's consent sticker and also highlighted that moral consideration and perceived difficulties could be 2 potential avenues for designing interventions.