A Nationwide Assessment of Turkish Society's Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Xenotransplantation

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess public perceptions, awareness, and attitudes toward xenotransplantation (XTx) and organ donation in Turkey by examining the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and religious factors to identify barriers and facilitators to organ donation and XTx acceptance METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted with 10 650 participants, selected through stratified sampling to ensure national representation. Data collection was performed via Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), with structured questionnaires designed to evaluate participants' perspectives on organ donation, XTx, and religious influences, and comparisons were made based on age groups, geographical region, sectarian affiliation, education level, belief categories, and economic status.

Results: Organ donation rates were low across all demographic groups, with notable differences by geographical region, education level, income, age, and religious beliefs. The highest organ donation rate was in Central Anatolia (0.9%), while Southeastern Anatolia had the lowest (0.0%) (p = 0.014). Higher education (p = 0.001) and income levels (p = 0.01) correlated with greater organ donation support. Younger individuals (18-24 years) were less religiously observant, while older participants (65+) displayed the highest religious adherence (p = 0.022). Acceptance of XTx from halal animals was highest in the Aegean region (43.0%) (p = 0.001) and among participants with lower religious adherence (27.4%) (p = 0.004). Approval for XTx from non-halal animals was significantly lower, particularly among highly religious individuals (23.9%). Awareness of XTx-related studies was lowest among participants aged 65+ (9.4%) (p < 0.001) and highest among Maliki participants (27.3%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and religious factors on public attitudes toward organ donation and XTx in Turkey. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals to design culturally adaptive strategies that improve organ donation rates and foster XTx acceptance.

Keywords: demographic influence; organ donation; public perception; religious beliefs; socioeconomic factors; xenotransplantation.