Abstract
【Objective】 The purpose of this study was to find strategies to increase the intention rate of organ donation. We investigated the current status and characteristics of organ donation intention and their relation to health consciousness.
【Design and Methods】 We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 660 patients visiting a university hospital in the metropolitan area. We determined their background, presence or absence of organ donation intention, and health consciousness (health literacy and subjective well-being). For statistical analysis, we used a stepwise method of variable selection, adjusted the confounding factors using propensity scores, and used logistic regression analysis to clarify the relation between organ donation intention and health consciousness.
【Results】 Two hundred sixty-three questionnaires were returned (recovery rate 39.8%), of which 248 were used. The intention rate of organ donation was 22.6%. It was higher for non-elderly people (p=0.0002) and those with a medical history (p=0.0132). It was related to health literacy (p=0.0373) and critical health literacy (p=0.0049), which was a sub-item of health literacy.
【Conclusion】 It is thought that high critical health literacy may have led to the skill to understand the social and economic significance of organ transplantation. Health literacy and critical health literacy must be increased to increase the intention rate of organ donation. It is important to make a visit to a university hospital a valuable opportunity. It is necessary for medical professionals to confirm the organ donation intention to give meaning to the social significance of organ donation, and to provide support to increase empowerment.
