THE INFLUENCE OF INFORMATION AND RELIGION ON ORGAN DONATION, AS SEEN BY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA.

INTRODUCTION: Transplantation of organs is the treatment of choice for severe organ failure worldwide.

AIM: The aims of the present study were to determine the influence of religion on attitudes towards organ donation among staff at schools in Tuzla.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the Tuzla region there are 42 schools and 1580 school staff. A total of 21 schools were selected randomly, which were stratified by geographical location. 499 employees were invited to participate in the study, and 475 agreed to participate. According to the definition of their attitude towards religion the subjects were divided into three groups: non-religious, only religious and practical believers.

RESULTS: None of the subjects possesses a donor card. To the question whether the subjects support the idea of organ transplantation, most replied that they support the idea of donating organs both during life and after death. Regarding this question there is a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.0063). To the question whether they are prepared to donate an organ of a deceased family member, most replied that they would consent to donating an organ, whilst a significant number also replied that they were not sure. The results show that there is no significant difference between the replies given by the groups (p = 0.7694). To the question regarding to whom they were prepared to donate an organ, most said they were prepared to donate one to a member of their family, then to a close relative, whilst the least would donate to a stranger. The results show that there is a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION: In order to reduce the wide disparity between the need and organ donation amongst other things a more active relationship is necessary between health workers, religious officials and school staff.