Public awareness and perceptions of organ donation in Bulgaria and across the European union

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe comparatively public awareness, attitudes and perceptions of organ donation and transplantation among Bulgarian and the European population, and to identify those practices and actions that can have positive impacts for Bulgaria. The methods in volve extensive content review of EU documentation and comparative data analysis of international publications containing figures on organ donation. Main source of information is representative data drawn from the Eurobarometer cross-national survey on organ donation. The comparative EU data on public aware ness, attitudes and perception of organ donation reveals large variations by country. Compared to the majority of the European population, the Bulgarian respondents express less supportive attitudes and less positive perceptions. Bulgarians are far less likely than the Europeans as a whole to agree to the donation of an organ from a deceased family member and to consent to own organs donation after death. They have substantially lower rates of family discussions about organ donation. The awareness of Bulgarian population of transplantation legal regulations is among the lowest in Europe. The results point to the need for Bulgaria to strengthen its international cooperation and exchange good practices with EU member states. It is important to establish effective communication to count on all the social factors included in the transplantation process. Efforts to encourage family discussions on organ donation; to educate health professionals, media and the public; and to build their confidence in the health system and the transplantation service would be of high potential for the country. These actions are all essential for future positive developments in organ donation and transplantation in Bulgaria. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2011;V.43(1):31-34