Tissue donations deal with skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. (image: Kobiz Media / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – Koreans have a vague idea about tissue donations, according to a survey published by the Korea Organization for Tissue Sharing on January 8. Only 42.4 percent of 1,000 respondents had a clear idea about what tissue donation is, while more than 98 percent were familiar with blood and organ donations.
Tissue donations deal with skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. In terms of tissue donation intentions, 42.3 percent of respondents said they would donate tissues, while 12.3 percent said no and 45.4 percent said they weren’t sure.
Regarding the choices of family members who revealed intent to donate, 64.4 percent of respondents answered that they would agree with said family members, while 7.5 percent said they would not.
However, only 27.6 percent said that they would donate tissues of their deceased family members who had not previously indicated any intention to donate. On the topic of their hesitance, 63.4 percent said that they would feel uncomfortable mutilating the bodies, while 22.2 percent said that they would feel pressured to agree with other family members opposing the donation.
More than half of respondents preferred hospitals(52%) and donation organizations(51.2%) to pledge donations, while preference for public health centers(39.9%) and community service centers(42.9%) was relatively low.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will promote tissue donations through a newly amended law which will take effect from January 29. A national agency and registration systems of donors and intending donors will be established.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
