Organ Donation Awareness in India: A Descriptive Study on Barriers, Motivators, and Program Effectiveness

Abstract

Organ donation remains a pressing public-health challenge in India due to a persistent mismatch between demand and supply of transplantable organs. This descriptive study integrates primary survey data (N = 100) collected from urban and semi-urban respondents with a systematic literature review (20 post-2020 studies and reports from India) to examine aware-ness, barriers, motivators and program effectiveness. Statistical analysis (Pearson correlation and multiple regression) confirms that knowledge and attitude are strong positive predictors of willingness to donate (Knowledge–Attitude r = 0.742, Attitude– Willingness r = 0.821), while misconceptions negatively affect willingness (Misconceptions–Willingness r = −0.58). Regression models show Knowledge & Attitude explain R2 = 0.719 of variance in willingness, and Awareness & Misconceptions explain R2 = 0.78. An international comparison using UK NHS donor statistics (2022–23) is presented to contextualize trends. The paper concludes with practical, culturally sensitive recommen-dations for multi-channel awareness strategies, strengthened hospital counselling and streamlined registration systems.