Worldwide, Asians have been found to have the lowest rate of organ donation following brain death. Extant research suggests that this may be linked to religious and cultural beliefs, and may differ according to sub-groups.
In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey assessing whether Singaporeans’ reasons for discomfort towards organ donation differed as a function of ethnicity. Participants were 567 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents recruited door-to-door (response rate: 11%). As part of a larger study, all participants completed a 42-item questionnaire.
Compared to other ethnic groups (Chinese, Indian, Others), Malay participants indicated greater levels of discomfort towards organ donation. In a measure assessing 18 potential concerns, Malay participants reported significantly higher concerns on 14 items ranging from fears about funeral arrangements to fears of offending God. These differences remained even after controlling for demographic factors. Finally, while the top concern for Chinese participants was the potential unsuitability of their organs, the top concern for Malay participants was the body being cut up for organ donation.
As the first study examining ethnic-specific concerns in Singapore, our results emphasise the need to consider apprehensions of each subgroup towards organ donation.