Korean J Transplant.  2022 Nov;36(Supple 1):S223. 10.4285/ATW2022.F-3591.

Factors influencing low organ donor registration rates in Bangkok, Thailand are not religious in nature

• Marek J
• Sribhibhadh T
• Phanthong T
• Lozonschi L
• Komaenthammasophon C
• Assawaworrarit P

• KMID: 2535288
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2022.F-3591

Abstract

Background
Southeast Asia has the lowest rates of organ transplantation and donor registration globally. In Thailand, 95% of the population is Buddhist and its core teachings dissuade followers from any action following clinical death that may cause trauma in their journey to rebirth. We sought to determine the effects of Thai culture and Buddhist religion on attitudes toward transplantation and donor registration rates.
Methods
This study utilized a convenience sample of 138 participants who were randomly selected to complete a survey as-sessing beliefs and opinions on organ transplantation.
Results
Overall support of organ donation among participants was 91.67%, but only 20.83% of respondents were registered organ donors. 87.5% of registered donors disagreed with the importance of a body having all parts when buried, compared to only 58.33% of unregistered participants who disagreed (P=0.0357). However, 73.68% of unregistered organ donation support-ers stated the desire to have their organs donated after death. The most important factor for organ donation among registered donors was health status of the recipient (38.10%), followed by assurance of respectful treatment of the organ (28.57%). Unreg-istered individuals indicated relationship to recipient as the most important factor in organ donation (43.66%), differing signifi-cantly from the registered group (P=0.02). Willingness to donate and receive an organ was 87.29% and 81.90%, respectively. Of organ donation supporters unwilling to register as an organ donor, 52.17% said they were change their mind if someone was in need.
Conclusions
Survey responses indicated a high rate of acceptance for organ donation, despite low rates of donor registration among respondents. Low rates of transplantation in Thailand seem to be unrelated to Buddhist and cultural beliefs though reg-istered donors demonstrate a greater degree of acceptance for postmortem removal of organs. Further investigation is necessary to identify future pathways for increasing organ donor registration in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.