Determinants of Willingness to Donate Kidneys Among Relatives of Haemodialysis Patients in Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

Willingness to donate kidneys among relatives of hemodialysis patients is a critical issue, particularly in low-resource settings like Gaborone, Botswana, where kidney disease is a growing public health concern. This study aimed to examine the willingness of relatives of hemodialysis patients to donate kidneys and to identify health status factors that influence this willingness. A descriptive cross-sectional approach was adopted, using a standardized questionnaire to collect information from 131 family members of patients undergoing hemodialysis at selected health institutions in Gaborone. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to detect trends and associations among the study variables. The study revealed that 67.2% of relatives of hemodialysis patients in Gaborone expressed willingness to donate a kidney, while 32.8% were unwilling. Logistic regression showed that willingness to donate kidneys was significantly associated with perceived medical compatibility (AOR = 3.63). This study emphasizes the important influence of prior family experience with organ donation or transplantation on individuals’ willingness to donate kidneys. Public health strategies should leverage the influence of prior familial experiences with organ donation to enhance willingness to donate kidneys. Educational programs and counseling sessions can incorporate personal stories and testimonials from families who have participated in donation or transplantation, helping to reduce fear, build familiarity, and motivate potential donors. Healthcare providers should offer tailored guidance that reassures potential donors about the process, risks, and outcomes, while highlighting relatable experiences that encourage positive attitudes.