Donation Decision-Making Process and Psychological Experiences of Families of Brain-Dead Donors from Turkey

Authors : Emine Merve Akdağ, İlkay Ceylan, Hamide Ayben Korkmaz, Korgün Ökmen, Feyza Ercan Tavşanlılı, Muhammet Alkan, Sinay Önen

Pages : 102-109

Doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1374171

View : 17 | Download : 31

Publication Date : 2025-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Families play a key role in the decision to donate the organs of people with brain death. However, studies on the factors affecting the decisions of families who are expected to make donation decision in a short time after their loss and possible emotional difficulties they experience afterwards are insufficient. In our study, we aimed to investigate the psychological experiences of donor families during and after the donation consent process and the factors affecting them. Methods: Relatives of donors who had brain death at least 6 months ago and gave their consent to be donors were included in the study. Demographic data form, Prolonged Grief Scale (PG-13), Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory (GMRI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to the participants. Results: In our study, it was found that male gender decreased the risk of depression (OR=0.08, p 0.05). It was found that BDI and GMRI scores were not statistically significant variables in increasing the risk of prolonged grief diagnosis (p>0.05). Conclusion: Considering the potential implications, it is advisable to assess the risk of depression among donor families and develop programs that facilitate the access of individuals at risk to psychological counseling services.
Keywords : Organ donation, Brain death, Transplantation, Intensive Care, Donor Familiy