Quantitative Study of the Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Organ Donation and the Opt-Out System Among the Sikh Community in the United Kingdom.

UNLABELLED

In the United Kingdom, there is a paucity donors from ethnic minorities; however, the number of recipients from ethnic minorities is increasing annually. Following implementation of the opt-out system (OOS) in Wales, a wider debate has started whether the system should be adopted elsewhere in the United Kingdom. We studied Sikh opinion with regard to organ donation and the OOS.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was completed by Sikhs in phase 1 paper-based forms and in phase 2 online questionnaires. Data were analyzed using multinomial regression.

RESULTS

A total of 268 responses were analyzed; 82.8% said they would donate an organ to anyone; however, 62.1% were not registered organ donors and of those not registered 57.6% did not have sufficient knowledge about the donation process. On multinomial regression, independent variables associated with acceptability of organ donation were awareness of organ shortage, knowing a donor in the immediate family, higher education level, and knowing a successful transplant recipient (all P < .05). Approximately 1 in 2 Sikhs do not understand presumed consent and a majority of 60.1% disagree with the OOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant barriers exist to donation; there is lack of awareness of the OOS and donation process. Targeted intervention is required to address these barriers.