Abstract
The transplantation of organs is one of the most successful medical advances in recent decades, and transplantation is the treatment of choice for severe organ failure worldwide. Despite this situation and the general acknowledgment of organ donation (OD) as a global priority, the demand for organs outstrips the supply in virtually every country in the world. The study aims to elucidate whether age, gender and religion influence decision-making about organ donation in religious Muslims living in Sweden Data were collected through three group interviews using open-ended questions and qualitative content analysis. Twenty-seven participants, 15 males and 12 females from four countries, participated in the focus group interviews. The analysis of the collected data resulted in three main categories: “Information and knowledge about organ donation,” “The priorities when deciding about organ donation” and “The religious aspects of organ donation,” including a number of subcategories. Good information about and knowledge of OD, priorities in OD, importance of the fact that religion must be studied and taught daily and religious education were only a few of the factors informants emphasized as predictors of the total and successful donation of organs. Age, gender or religion did not have an impact on organ donation. High levels of education through religious education and good information via various media, as well as a good knowledge of the Swedish language, are predictors of improved OD. In order to overcome religious ideology as a source of misinformation relating to OD and to promote increased OD in the future, specific intervention studies and the improved involvement of religious communities and education in schools and the healthcare system are vital and must be a starting point for improved OD.
Highlights
The immigrant policy in Sweden was founded in 1950 when there were about 3% of the population in Sweden or about 1500 inhabitants born in other countries but living in Sweden
The study aims to elucidate whether age, gender and religion influence decision-making about organ donation in religious Muslims living in Sweden Data were collected through three group interviews using open-ended questions and qualitative content analysis
The analysis of the collected data resulted in three main categories: ‘‘Information and knowledge about organ donation,’’ ‘‘The priorities when deciding about organ donation’’ and ‘‘The religious aspects of organ donation,’’ including a number of subcategories
Summary
The immigrant policy in Sweden was founded in 1950 when there were about 3% of the population in Sweden or about 1500 inhabitants born in other countries but living in Sweden. The immigrants are mostly Muslims, different ages and gender and of various professional disciplines (The Swedish Health and Medical Act 2014). Current Swedish legislation states that, when all brain functions are totally and irrevocably lost, a person may be declared dead (Wilow 2013) This means that integral organs and tissues can be utilized for transplantation surgery, because breathing and circulation can be maintained artificially. Healthcare professionals have a very important role to play in providing support, in the form of information, to transplant patients and to those who choose to donate organs. The demand for organs is greater than the supply, despite well-functioning laws and competent healthcare professionals throughout the world (Park et al 1999; Council of Europe 2012). Previous studies have shown that there are complex factors that influence public attitudes to deceased OD. Religious leaders are frequently consulted for advice on OD; more than half of those who responded in one study reported being asked for input, as family members, regarding organ donation (Sharif 2012)
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