title: A theory of planned behavior study of college students' intention to register as organ donors in Japan, Korea, and the United States.
abstract: This study investigated willingness of Americans, Koreans, and Japanese to register as organ donors using the theory of planned behavior. Although previous research showed that attitude toward donation and communication with family predicted organ donation behaviors for respondents in the United States, these variables were also significant for respondents in Japan and Korea. Perceived behavioral control predicted intention to register for Japanese participants whereas knowledge about organ donation was associated with reluctance to register for Koreans. Spiritual connection and concern were shown to be causal factors underlying attitude in all 3 countries. In spite of positive attitudes toward organ donation and comparable knowledge with Americans and Japanese, most Korean participants declined to take an application to register as a donor. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212, USA. bresnah1@msu.edu
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bresnahan
authors.forename: Sun Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sandi W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Sachiyo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shearman
authors.forename: Reiko
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nebashi
authors.forename: Cheong Yi
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yoo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D019049:Developed Countries; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D012042:Registries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement