Reasons for Renal Donation among Living Unrelated Renal Donors in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran

Background: The shortage of living-related and cadaveric donors lead to living-unrelated kidney transplant in Iran. Objective: We conducted this study to determine the motivations for unrelated-living kidney donation in Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran. Methods: After obtaining an informed written consent, unrelated-living kidney donors were interviewed by the authors by means of a standardized questionnaire to assess their socioeconomic status and motivations for donation. Results: 210 living kidney donors consisting of 167 men (79.5%) and 43 women (20.5%) with a mean±SD age of 28.4±5.6 years were studied. 117 (55.7%) donors were married. 6 (2.9%) of donors were university graduates; 39 (18.6%) high school graduates; 141 (67.1%) less than high school graduates; and 20 (9.5%) were illiterate. The motives for donation was mentioned mostly financial by 127 (60.5%) donors, mostly based on religious beliefs and altruism by 39 (18.6%), and a combination of financial, religious beliefs and altruism by 35 (16.7%) donors. Conclusion: Financial problems are the main motivation for living-unrelated kidney donation in Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran.