title: Knowledge of, beliefs about, and perceived barriers to organ and tissue donation in Serbian, Macedonian, and Greek Orthodox communities in Australia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation, a worldwide shortage of suitable and registered donors exists. Although the reasons for this shortage are multifactorial, it has been recognized that distinct barriers to registration, family discussion, and consent that require targeted intervention and action are present among minority cultural, religious, and immigrant communities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of 3 orthodox religious communities in Australia (Macedonian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox) and determine the implications for engaging with these communities to improve knowledge, attitudes, family discussion, and the ability to make an informed decision about donation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative approach using focus groups moderated by researchers and bicultural health workers with the assistance of accredited interpreters.
  
  
  METHODS
  98 adult members of the Greek, Macedonian, and Serbian Orthodox communities in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clear barriers to discussing and making an informed decision about organ and tissue donation were identified. Knowledge of processes and procedures was low and discussion about death (and organ and tissue donation) with family members and loved ones was considered taboo. Despite these barriers, all 3 communities expressed a desire for more information and engagement. Of particular interest were the perspectives of 3 types of "experts": medical, religious, and other community members (who had experience with the organ and tissue donation system). Future programs designed for orthodox religious communities should consider the need for active strategies that facilitate information sharing and engagement between community members and these 3 types of experts.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Initiatives, University of Wollongong.
authors.forename: Lyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Phillipson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Initiatives, University of Wollongong.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Larsen-Truong
authors.affiliation: Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Australia.
authors.forename: Leissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pitts
authors.affiliation: Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Australia.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nonu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006115:Greece / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018843:Republic of North Macedonia / Q000208:ethnology; D055771:Serbia / Q000208:ethnology; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement; D014180:Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*