Factors influencing attitude towards kidney donation for transplantation in Ilorin

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major cause of premature death and morbidity in Nigeria. Majority of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are in the productive age bracket. Haemodialysis is the most commonly available mode of renal replacement therapy. The quality of life of the few that can afford the cost of haemodialysis is poor when compared to the transplanted patients. A survey is carried out to assess factors affecting attitudes towards kidney donation in llorin, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 600 self administered, semi-structured questionnaires were distributed amongst asymptomatic adults (aged ≥ 17years) with a response rate of 88%. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social studies (SPSS) version 14. Results: There were 282 males (53.4%) and 246 females (46.6%) with age range of 17-65years and a mean of 34.76±14.9. Two hundred and ninety two (55%) were willing to donate a kidney (165 males, 127 females). Majority of the willing donors (86%) were between 30 and 50 years of age. Though educational level positively influenced the knowledge about the kidney failure, it did not influence willingness to donation of a kidney. There was religion related gender disparity in the willingness to donate a kidney as more male Christians and Muslims were willing to donation than their females. Conclusions: The main constraints to kidney donation were fear of surgical pains, belief in life after death and uncertainty of donor outcome. This calls for awareness programmes on the safety of kidney donation for transplantation.