Organ donation behaviour: Debates amongst Black South Africans

Abstract

Organ donation and transplantation are important treatment interventions for patients with end-stage diseases. However, the availability of body organs or the donation rates are incapable of meeting the ever-increasing needs of patients waiting for life-saving organs. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore and assess factors that influence the organ donation behaviour amongst Black South Africans in Zebediela, Limpopo province, South Africa. An ethnographic research design was used and this study was grounded in the theory of planned behaviour. Twenty-one research participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data was collected via in-depth interviews. The data was analysed via a thematic content analysis. The study established that socio-cultural factors, lack of knowledge, fear, and negative attitudes impede Black South Africans from participating in organ donation. The study identifies and recommends possible strategies to increase donation rates.

Keywords: Organ, donation, transplantation