Preetha

Sample Excerpt from Academic Review Article Title: Factors Associated with Consent for Organ Donation in India – A Review Authors: Preetha Vijayalakshmi, B.S.P.A./CCP/HIMP, SE (JIPA); Yashfeen, Physician Associate/Intern, Stanley Medical College, SEA (JIPA) Keywords: Organ donation, consent rates, deceased donation, systemic barriers, socio-cultural factors, religious misconceptions, awareness on organ donation, Transplantation of Human Organ Act (THOA), India, global comparison Abstract Organ donation in India remains critically low, with a deceased donation rate of less than 1 per million, starkly contrasting with higher consent rates in countries like Canada (60%) and Spain. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from Indian and global literature to explore systemic, socio-cultural, and individual factors influencing consent for deceased organ donation in India. Systemic barriers include delayed referrals, inadequate hospital infrastructure (only 10% equipped for brain death certification), and a shortage of trained transplant coordinators. Sociocultural factors, such as family decision-making under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (1994), religious misconceptions (33% believe donation is prohibited), and concerns about bodily integrity, significantly hinder consent. Individual factors, including low awareness (e.g., 29.3% of students aware of THOA) and a knowledge-action gap despite altruistic intentions (62.8% willingness but low registration), further impede progress. Comparative analysis with Canada and Spain highlights the efficacy of structured referral systems and presumed consent models. Recommendations include mandatory physician training, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns involving religious leaders, uniform hospital protocols, and a national donor registry. Addressing these multifaceted barriers through integrated medical, cultural, and policy reforms is essential to bridge India’s organ donation gap. Introduction (Excerpt) Organ donation is a cornerstone of contemporary medical care, providing a vital lifeline for individuals facing end-stage organ failure and significantly enhancing global health outcomes. Despite notable advancements in medical science, a considerable imbalance persists between the number of organs needed and those donated. For example, a retrospective population-based analysis from Canada reported a 60% consent rate for deceased organ donation, reflecting a wellstructured system. In contrast, India continues to experience difficulties, with a deceased organ donation rate of under 1 per million people, with only 0.08% of its population participating. This stark disparity reflects a complex interplay of systematic insufficiencies, sociocultural barriers, and individual beliefs that hinder consent in the Indian context. India’s organ donation framework, regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA, 1994), faces challenges such as inadequate referral mechanisms, limited public awareness, and infrastructural constraints. Socio-cultural factors, including religious misconceptions and the pivotal role of family decision-making, further complicate the process, varying across regions. Individual factors, such as low awareness in marginalized communities and attitudes shaped by education, also influence consent outcomes. Limitations (Excerpt from Conclusion) This review is constrained by several factors that may affect its generalizability. The selected studies predominantly focus on urban tertiary care settings and specific regions, potentially underrepresenting rural perspectives. Additionally, the reliance on narrative synthesis rather than a systematic meta-analysis limits the ability to quantify the impact of identified factors. Data inconsistencies, such as varying sample sizes and self-reported biases, further challenge the robustness of the findings. Future research should address these gaps with more diverse and standardized methodologies. (Note: This excerpt demonstrates my expertise in academic research writing, including structured synthesis of literature, AMA-style citations, and critical analysis. The full article includes revised figures, such as a hierarchical pyramid for community-based interventions, and a complete reference list formatted in AMA style.)