Association Between Socio-Economic Factors and Kidney Transplantation Activity Across Muslim Majority Countries

Abstract

Purpose: Muslim majority countries have heterogeneous stages of socio-economic development and infrastructure that may limit kidney transplantation opportunities. The aim of this study was to explore this data in Muslim countries and explore associations with socio-economic metrics. Method(s): Data was analysed for 50 global Muslim countries (classified if >50% of population described as Muslim). Organ donation/transplantation rates were obtained from the Global Observatory for Donation and Transplantation and International Registry on Organ Donation and Transplantation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) data was obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Supplementary socio-economic and health data were obtained from data repositories including World Health Organisation, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.4.2. Result(s): The global Muslim population in 2023 was 1,877,263,750. Prevalence and death rates from CKD were 134,048,251 and 207,102 respectively. Organ donation and transplant activity data was only reported for 21/50 countries, with total kidney transplant activity 12,440 (deceased and living donor transplants 2,084 and 10,356 respectively). Countries that practiced deceased/living versus living donor only transplantation had higher GDP per capita ($12,986 versus $4,482, p=0.023) but no other significant difference. Countries that reported any kidney transplantation activity versus none had higher GDP per capita ($7,849 versus $2,211, p=0.013), higher adult literacy rates (96% versus 76%, p=0.017), higher life expectancy (74 years versus 68 years, p=0.007) and higher world economy ranking (66 versus 121, p<0.001). Conclusion(s): People living with kidney failure in the Muslim world have sub-optimal access to kidney transplantation. While socio-economic factors are important, all barriers that prevent establishment of comprehensive organ donation and transplantation services must be overcome. [Formula presented] [Formula presented] CITATION INFORMATION: Malik F., Khan-Bhettani M., Mansoor J., Arslan Z., Khan S., Amin I., Farid S., Haroon U., Ahmed Z., Khurram M., Zakri R., Sharif A. Association Between Socio-Economic Factors and Kidney Transplantation Activity Across Muslim Majority Countries AJT, Volume 25, Issue 8 Supplement 1 DISCLOSURES: F. Malik: None. Copyright © 2025