Awareness and willingness regarding organ donation among people with HIV in Canada

Given the current organ shortage crisis, organ transplantation among people with HIV (PWH) has become a reality. To effectively implement this practice, understanding the attitudes and beliefs about organ donation among PWH in Canada is imperative. PWH receiving care at the McGill University Health Centre were recruited to participate in a survey between October 2023-June 2024. The questionnaire assessed knowledge of organ donation and willingness to donate or receive organs from donors with HIV. Descriptive statistics were performed. Of 100 participants, 33.0% knew that PWH can undergo organ transplantation in Canada, and 26.0% knew that PWH in Canada can donate their organs to PWH. Additionally, 74.5% would consider accepting an organ from a deceased donor with HIV, 78.0% would consider accepting an organ from a living donor regardless of HIV status, 78.0% would be willing to be deceased donors, and 44.0% would be willing to be a living organ donor. Female-identifying and African, Caribbean or Black participants showed higher awareness about organ donation, whereas male-identifying and White participants demonstrated higher willingness to donate and receive organs from donors with HIV. While willingness among PWH was high, knowledge of organ transplantation was suboptimal, highlighting the need for increased awareness efforts.