Intellectuality and Attitudes of Clergy About Organ Donation in Turkey: Metasynthesis of Observational Studies

- We elucidate the impact of Islamic belief on organ donation with the current approach of theology academics.
- We investigate the underlying causes of illiteracy about organ donation among the clergy through analysis of the curriculum of theology faculties and the number and ratio of relevant scientific publications in national theology journals.

IntroductionIn Turkey, donation rates remained low despite the efforts of the Religious Affairs Supreme Council. We sought to determine theological perspectives and behaviors of clergy and theology students toward organ donation.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of observational studies.ResultsThere were 2154 participants. Eighty-two percent stated Islam allows organ donation. Nineteen had organ donation card (<1%). Fifty-four percent were reluctant to donate organs themselves, 56% lacked sufficient knowledge. Twenty percent referred to school education and periodicals as the source of information. Sixty-nine percent were act as opinion leaders for organ donation. In curriculums of the Faculties of Theology, organ donation as a separate topic has not been found. No articles regarding organ donation have been published in theology journals in their 60-year publication history.ConclusionsA discrepancy exists between the resolutions of the Board of Religious Affairs and attitudes of clergy toward organ donation in Turkey. Theology faculties seem not to pay specific attention to this issue. The Directorate of Religious Affairs and the faculty of theology should meet at a common point immediately in terms of training programs and continuing education with strict audit in context of organ transplantation and donation.