Factors influencing the willingness to donate body parts for transplantation.

Abstract

Three hundred and thirty-six people representing three ethnic groups (White, Asian, and Afro-Caribbean) were asked to rank their preferences concerning various incentives that might induce them to agree to the posthumous donation of their body parts. A conjoint analysis of the responses suggested that 'self centred' options (notably upfront cash payments and priority on waiting lists) were generally more popular than 'altruistic' alternatives. Members of the sample already possessing donor cards were more knowledgeable about the issue of organ transplantation than others, were less squeamish, and had relatives who favoured organ donation. The strength of a person's desire to donate body parts was related positively to self-respect and whether the individual was 'religious'; and negatively to (i) squeamishness and (ii) having relatives who objected to transplantation. Altruistic preferences vis-à-vis organ donation were associated with knowledgeability, self-esteem, family background, low levels of squeamishness, and the extent to which a person experienced 'helper's high.' People who were financially well-off were the most self-centred in the organ donation context. Overall the results imply substantial disparities between public policy and contemporary public opinion regarding transplant donation incentives.