Cadaver Kidney Donation:Attitude of Indian Religious Leaders.

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

India is homeland to various religions. Religious leaders influence the masses in many spheres. Since cadaver kidney donation is the need of the hour, ascertaining the attitude of these religious leaders towards cadaveric kidney donation was the objective of the current research.The sample consisted of 32 (16 males, 16 females) religious leaders from Mumbai, who represented 4 major religions in equal number-Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and who had several years of experience preaching the tenets and practices of their religion (M=20,SD=12).The study employed an exploratory research design. An interview schedule was employed to collect the data which was analyzed quantitatively (descriptive statistics) and qualitatively (theme extraction). Most participants were willing to be cadaver kidney donors (81%) and the reason advanced was that their kidneys would benefit individuals. That one's religion does not permit donation was the reason cited by those (19%) reluctant to donate their kidneys. A majority (84%) feared that the rich/famous would get priority with respect to cadaver organs. The participants were also concerned that the hospital would take charge of their body post donation and dispose of the same (38%) and that their kidneys would be used for commercial reasons (72%). Some claimed that “brain dead” patients were alive as the heart was still beating (34%). Only 38% were receptive to carrying a donor card. A majority (66%) were in agreement with the law regarding transplantation, particularly prohibition of trafficking of organs. They were against the idea of cadaver kidney donation being made compulsory as they believed donation was a gift and a matter of choice (88%). About half (53%) thought that donor families could be compensated financially. Many (69%) felt that their religion was in favour of cadaver donation as it taught one to be compassionate and life-giving. Those who perceived their religion as not being in favour (31%) claimed that the body had to be buried intact as failing to do so was offensive to God. Finally, 59% believed that they could play a major role in promoting a positive attitude towards kidney donation. In view of their involvement with communities, religious leaders can participate in stepping up the rate of cadaver kidney donation, after having their misconceptions cleared. This unique study has focussed on a powerful target group not previously studied.