A random digit dial survey examined the public's definitions of death and attitudes toward organ donation. The sample consisted of 1,358 individuals. 66.7% were urban and 33.3% rural dwellers. The sample included 23.0% African-American (AA) and 71.6% white respondents. 79.1% of the respondents expressed a willingness to donate organs. 60.2% of the population was willing to donate unequivocally; 26.9% stated they would on condition of knowing the wishes of the deceased. A significant difference in willingness to donate was found between white and AA respondents (83.2% vs. 66.2%, p<0001). A small difference was seen when comparing rural and urban populations, with urban populations slightly more willing to donate (p=.05). Most respondents exhibited a limited understanding of brain death and the organ procurement process. 98.4% had hear the term 'brain death,' but 18.8% thought brain dead people could hear and only 39.9% thought that brain dead people were absolutely dead.
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