ABSTRACT
Introduction: Organ transplantation in Libya depends exclusively on donations from live relatives. This limitation increases mortality and prolongs the patients' suffering and waiting time. Objectives: The aims of this study were to explore willingness to donate organs after death and to identify the reasons for refusal. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2008 on a cluster sample of 1652 persons (58males and 42females). The questionnaire included demographic information and mainly enquired about willingness to donate organs after death and the reasons for refusal when applicable. Results: About one-third (29.7) of participants were in favor of donating their organs after death; 60.1refused and 10.2were undecided. Willingness was significantly associated with being male; younger age; having a college or graduate degree; and being single (P 0.05 for all). Lack of adequate knowledge about the importance of deceased organ donation and uncertainty about its religious implications were the most predominant reasons for refusal (43.8and 39.5; respectively). Other reasons included ethical concerns about retrieving organs from dead bodies (37.9); preference for being buried intact (28); and uneasiness about the idea of cadaver manipulation (33). Conclusion: There were a considerable resistance to deceased organ donation; especially among females; those of older age; married people; and those with a low education level. The barriers to cadaveric donations were lack of adequate knowledge; unease about body manipulation; and concerns about religious implications. Public educational campaigns should be coordinated with religious leadership