Investigating cultural, technological and media factors which affect acceptance of organ donation in Taiwan

Organ donation in Taiwan, while being promoted for over 20 years, has not been embraced by the majority. This is due to many reasons including the concept of “keeping the full body after death” which is deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and religions. Rarely studied is the innovation diffusion of the health science of organ donation-related technologies, policies and issues. This paper discussed the relevant factors surrounding acceptance of organ donation based on observing the main influences from cultural, technological and media. The researcher launched an online survey, gathering a sample of 1,118 valid responses to surmise interviewees´ knowledge, attitudes and acceptance regarding organ donation and related issues of cultural, family, technologies and media campaigns. In addition, the researchers did face-to-face in-depth interviewing of experts, doctors in relevant fields, relatives of the organ donors and recipients. As found in the research results, there are many factors which can affect the acceptance of organ donation such as: interviewees´ knowledge of organ donation-related science and technologies, media usage, level of exposure to organ donation campaign messages, as well as their family relationships, altruistic behavior, innovative personalities, and attitudes regarding organ donation and traditional Chinese culture.