A Kohima survey by MOHAN Foundation finds gaps in organ donation knowledge, trust and family decisions among 150 participants
KOHIMA — Concerns over the possible misuse of donated organs, uncertainty about religious acceptance and hesitation over family donation decisions have emerged as key findings of a survey on organ donation among 150 participants in Kohima.
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The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study conducted by MOHAN Foundation between May and July 2026 found that while 86.7% of respondents had heard of organ donation, only 42.3% demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the subject.
The findings suggest the existence of a gap between general awareness and a fuller understanding of organ donation, including the procedures and safeguards involved.
As many as 79.1% of respondents believed that donated organs could be misused sometimes or more frequently. While 75.4% supported promoting organ donation in their communities, 49.2% were undecided about donating a loved one's organs.
The survey also found that 37.7% of respondents were unsure whether their religion permitted organ donation, while 58.5% believed it did. The findings suggest that religious uncertainty and concerns about the donation process could influence decisions, even among those who support awareness initiatives.
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Knowledge of brain death, a key consideration in deceased organ donation, was also limited. Although 65.4% had heard of brain death, only 39.2% knew that it is legally recognised in India for organ donation.
The internet and online platforms were the most commonly reported sources of information, cited by 63.1% of respondents. Television was cited by 36.9%, friends or colleagues by 31.5% and doctors by 30%. Newspapers and magazines accounted for 18.5%, while 6.2% cited radio.
Awareness of organ donor cards was lower, with 23.1% reporting that they knew about them, although 48.5% expressed willingness to carry one.
The study recommended greater public education on brain death, the legal framework governing organ donation, donor registration and the safeguards against organ trafficking and commercialisation. It also called for engagement with religious leaders, community organisations and healthcare professionals to address misconceptions and encourage families to discuss their donation wishes.
The findings come as the state works towards establishing organ donation and transplantation facilities at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
In a message accompanying the study, Pallavi Kumar, executive director of MOHAN Foundation (Delhi-NCR) and project manager for the Northeast, said that the foundation expanded its work to Nagaland in 2026, with support from the Azim Premji Foundation, building on initiatives in Manipur and Tripura.
In partnership with the state’s Health and Family Welfare department and NHAK, the initiative aims to establish the state's first organ donation and transplantation programme and its first eye bank.
According to Kumar, the work includes building healthcare capacity, training medical professionals, raising public awareness and supporting NHAK in obtaining a renal transplant licence.
A Health department official familiar with the initiative told Eastern Mirror that work was under way to develop NHAK as the state's first kidney transplant centre. The department was procuring and upgrading operating theatre equipment, while nephrology and urology specialists were available at the hospital, with additional specialists being engaged as visiting consultants, the official said.
The official expressed hope that the facilities would become functional in the coming months, adding that MOHAN Foundation would provide support as the programme develops.
The study was based on a structured questionnaire administered to adults recruited through convenience sampling in Kohima. The foundation said the findings would help guide future awareness and communication initiatives.
Note: The study involved 150 participants in Kohima and used convenience sampling. Its findings are not representative of Nagaland's population as a whole.