Kidney Donation, Preference and Determinants in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: Pakistan has a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.  The major indication of renal transplantation is end stage renal disease due Diabetes and hypertension, which is also a cost effective treatment significantly decreasing mortality and morbidity in these patients. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Pakistan to determine the level of awareness among the general population regarding kidney donation and their willingness to donate. The total number of participants who completed a questionnaire was three thousand five-hundred and twenty. 56% were male while 44% female. The sample included people of all ages from all educational and ethnic backgrounds.  Results: Among participants 63.5% were found to be aware regarding kidneydonation and 46.6% showed a willingness to donate to a first degree relative (FDR). Only 11.5% were willing to donate to someone other than a FDR. Females were found to be more willing to donate to both a FDR and a non-FDR with a male to female ratio of 0.7 (95% C.I). A small percentage (16.7%) albeit important believed organ donation should be declared illegal.  Conclusion: Awareness regarding kidney donation and educational status were found to be linked, with people educated at a higher level having greater knowledge about the topic.  All stakeholders need to develop a comprehensive strategy to decrease the overall health burden of end stage renal disease and promote legal renal transplantation.