title: The impact of knowledge and religion on organ donation as seen by immigrants in Sweden.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transplantation of organs is one of the most successful medical advances of the past 60 years and transplantation is the treatment of choice for severe organ failure worldwide. Despite this situation, and the general acknowledgement of organ donation as a global priority, demand for organs outstrips supply in virtually every country in the world.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to elucidate factors that influence immigrant's decisions regarding organ donation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected through three group interviews using open-ended questions and qualitative content analysis. 32 participants, 16 men and 16 women from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, Lebanon and Kosovo participated in focus group interviews (FGI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of the collected data resulted in two main categories: 'Information about organ donation' and 'Religious aspects of organ donation and a number of subcategories'. Some of the influencing factors concerning organ donation were mainly related to limited information from society as well as limited information from healthcare professionals. Religious aspects, fear and prejudices about organ donation were other factors that mentioned by participants as hamper regarding organ donation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to improve immigrants' attitude towards organ donation, information about this issue and identification of the hampering factors, particularly culturally related factors such as the religious aspect, is essential. In this context, different intervention studies are needed to increase monitories groups' attitude towards organ donations.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors: Ferid
authors: F
authors: Krupic
authors: Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
authors: Arkan S
authors: AS
authors: Sayed-Noor
authors: University of Gothenburg, Institute of Health and Caring Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors: Nabi
authors: N
authors: Fatahi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012067:Religion; D013548:Sweden; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement
keywords: immigrants; knowledge; organ donation; qualitative research; religion