Cadaver Transplantation in Balkans: Mission Possible?

Abstract

Background: Donation of organs is on a very low level and due to its specific nature is a very sensitive topic, especially in the post – conflict and multinational country like Republic of Macedonia. Aim: The NGO National Transplant Foundation has conducted a study in order to gain understanding about factors that drive awareness, attitudes towards donation of organs and willingness to participate. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a representative sample of 1000 respondents using standardized questionnaire via face to face method in September 2009. Answers on all questions were cross tabulated in order to detect patterns. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used for identification of different segments of respondents. Results: The results revealed that majority of population in Macedonia is familiar with the term transplantation, but there is a very low awareness that a specific law for organ donation exists. Segmentation analysis identified several groups of responders: apostles (23%), mercenaries (11%), escapists (26%), neutral (13%) and hostages (28%). More precisely, apostles are people who perceive transplantation or donations of organ as human act and who already participate in some humanitarian activity like blood donation. The participants were divided upon their opinion whether they would donate their organs after death. The reasons for this are found in negative attitude towards donation and low level of trust in institutions. Conclusion: The survey clearly indicates that there is a need for informing the population about the law and the process of donation of organs in Macedonia. Inclusion of certain benefits like health or social insurance will stimulate the process of donation of organs. Another important output is that mercenaries and escapists are groups which should be targeted, while apostles and neutral could be used as promoters of the idea.