University students attitudes and behavioral intentions of organ donation

The number of individuals' waiting for transplants has grown drastically in the past few years while the number of available organs has diminished. The reasons for these diminished rates is unclear and complex. College students may be an untapped population for potential donors. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand the opinions, thoughts, and perceptions of university students' toward organ donation. In addition, the study explored the factors that facilitate or impede an individual's decision to become an organ donor. The study methodology included conducting eight focus groups (n=46) with undergraduate and graduate students at a large midwestern university. Focus group members were ethnically diverse and included both males and females. Content analysis revealed several significant findings. The majority of participants had a positive attitude toward organ donation and many were already registered organ donors. However, some students viewed donation as placing them at risk for organ harvesting or simply disgusting. In regards to the intention to become an organ donor, those participants who held misinformation about donation were less likely to report intention to become a donor. Subjective norms also played an important role in terms of intention to donate. If there was strong family support for donation, the participants were much more likely to register as an organ donor. However, if family support was weak or ambiguous for organ donation, behavioral intention to become a donor was less likely. Education and policy implications for social workers and health educators will be discussed.