Understanding organ donation attitudes and behaviour from a theory of planned behaviour perspective

Sault, Katy (2011) Understanding organ donation attitudes and behaviour from a theory of planned behaviour perspective. University of Chester.

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Abstract

Currently, the number of people on the UK organ donor register is insufficient (NHS, 2010a). It is therefore vital that how people make their organ donation decision is known in order for interventions to become more efficient. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is a well-known and useful model of health behaviour (Armitage & Conner, 2001 and Godin & Kok, 1996), and is applied to organ donation behaviour in this research. In this study, 111 participants from the University of Chester, three Warwickshire workplaces, a Warwickshire Women’s Institute Group, and a Warwickshire Book Group were used. Demographic information, and their scores in all components of the TPB were assessed through a self-report questionnaire, following Ajzen’s (2006) guide. Findings showed TPB components to account for a large amount of variance in behaviour and intention. Particular beliefs were found to be significantly associated with attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. Demographic differences were only visible within age and occupation. Findings suggest interventions should aim to increase, particularly the elderly’s, control beliefs, highlight the positive aspects of becoming a donor, and also encourage religious institutions to actively promote organ donation.