Study in Barmer reveals stable rates of organ donation readiness.
Based on the survey results, around 35% of participants are certain to give their organs, while another 22% might possibly donate theirs. In contrast, last year, these figures stood at 38% and 18% respectively. A total of 9% are firmly against donating, while 10% find it improbable, and 24% remain undecided. The poll was carried out between April and May, involving approximately a thousand health plan members aged between 16 and 64 by Barmer.
The readiness to donate varies based on gender and age. Females' likelihood of donating went down from 60% in 2023 to 58% presently, whereas men's willingness increased from 53% to 56%. Individuals aged 18 to 25 show the highest willingness, with a whopping 69%. Conversely, the lowest willingness to donate is among those aged 39-50, at only 49%.
The Organ Donation Register, which allows individuals to digitally record their decision regarding organ and tissue donation, is known by 31% of respondents. Since its launch in March, the register has recorded over 120,100 declarations for organ donation.
Christoph Straub, a board member of Barmer, commented, "Organ donation can save lives." He noted that patients whose vital organs, such as the heart, liver, or kidneys, are about to fail, occasionally have no other option than organ donation. As per the German Foundation for Organ Transplantation, currently, there are approximately 8,400 people in Germany awaiting a donor organ.
