Medical Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Organ Donation: Results of a Dutch Survey

Background

In the Netherlands, as in many other countries, a paucity of research exists on the attitudes and intentions of medical students toward organ donation. These students are of interest for the effect that increasing medical knowledge might have on the willingness to register as a donor.

Objective

To examine which factors determine medical students' willingness to register as donors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among medical students at the University of Amsterdam. Our questionnaire included questions on actual donor registration, motives, knowledge, and attitudes toward donation. To assess which factors were related to self-reported donor registration status, we conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

We received 506 questionnaires (response rate at least 84%). The majority of respondents (80%) intended to donate organs, while 59% were registered. Self-reported medical knowledge and positive attitudes on donation were independently associated with registering as a donor. A rising study year was associated with registering as a donor; this could be explained by increasing medical knowledge and changing attitudes.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that willingness to register as a donor increases with a rising level of knowledge on organ donation up to some minimal level.     

Opinions and Attitudes of Medical Students About Organ Donation and Transplantation

Background

Although transplantation has gained more support and acceptance, there are still many ethical, moral, and legal barriers associated with this form of treatment. The demand for organs is higher than what can be accommodated. Current medical students are forming their views about transplantation.

Knowledge,Attitudes, and Behavior of Nigerian Students Toward Organ Donation

Background

The Nigerian transplantation program is evolving but is currently over-reliant on living donors. If deceased donation is to be viable in Nigeria, it is important to ascertain the views of the public. The objective of the study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of Nigerian international students toward organ donation.

Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Organ Donation in Health Care Undergraduate Students in Italy

Introduction

The number of organ donors in Italy is increasing, but with still disappointing living donation activity and relatively frequent objection by potential deceased donors' relatives to organ recovery. Few studies have assessed health care students' knowledge and attitude on donation.

Attitudes Toward Organ Transplantation

BackgroundThe purpose of transplantation is to improve the health or save the life of the recipient. Although organ transplantation is a method generally accepted by society, there are still people who, referring to moral and ethical aspects, reject its validity. A great threat to transplantology is also the lack of knowledge of the society resulting from insufficient education.AimThe aim of this study was to find out attitudes and opinions about organ transplantation and to determine the level of acceptance of organ and tissue transplantation.MethodsThe tool chosen for the study was a survey questionnaire. The research group consisted of 200 people. Approval from the Bioethics Committee was obtained to conduct the study.ResultsThe studies showed that more than half of the respondents (57%) would agree to organ donation for transplantation after the death of a loved one. Age was found to be statistically significant (P = .001). Older people showed more doubts about transplantation than people under 30. Over 80% of respondents agreed that initiatives to educate the public about transplantation are needed.ConclusionsThe respondents refer to transplantation positively as a method of treating and saving life, and more than half of respondents would agree to donate their organs for transplant after the death of a loved one. The majority of respondents described their attitude toward transplantation as positive, admitting that the objection to donating is due to the ignorance and too little awareness on the subject.     

Attitudes of Medical Students About Brain Death and Organ Donation

Introduction

There have been publications on the attitudes of the general Iranian population and health care personnel about brain death and organ donation; however, there is little information about such attitudes of medical students. In 2006, a survey was conducted in Tehran about the attitudes of medical students in a hospital with a transplantation program.

Material and Methods

The general population, health care personnel, and medical students were surveyed, and data were extracted from interviews with 41 medical students. The survey included 35 items about attitudes toward brain death and organ transplantation.

Results

Nine students (22.0%) had ever seen a transplant recipient, and 7 (17.1%) had ever seen a brain-dead patient. Thirty-four students (82.9%) agreed with organ donation after brain death. Six students (14.6%) had received information through university lectures, and 40 (97.5%) perceived a need for further information about organ donation and brain death in the university curriculum. Nine students (22.0%) had an organ donor card.

Conclusion

Most Iranian medical students have neither been exposed to brain death or organ recipients nor received appropriate information about organ donation and transplantation.     

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Organ Donation Among School Teachers: First National Survey Study

Background and aimThe most important factors affecting organ donation are socioeconomic, educational, and cultural factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge levels, and behaviors of school teachers toward organ donationMethodsThis study surveyed 2400 school teachers working in official public schools. Turkey was divided into 26 regions based on the similarity of social, economic, and geographic factors identified by the Turkish Statistical Institute. Teachers were distributed equally in the city center and towns based on population. The survey procedures were carried out using computer-assisted personal interviewing.ResultsAmong teachers, 89.6% had a bachelor's degree and 8.5% had a master's degree. In addition, 32.5% worked in primary schools, 33.1% worked in secondary schools, and 34.4% worked in high schools. Furthermore, 0.7% had donated an organ; 66.5% were not considering organ donation in the future, of whom 9.0% indicated religion as the reason for not donating an organ, and 34.8% did not indicate any reason. In addition, 96.6% considered organ donation to be proper behavior for humanity and 68% believed that organ donation is appropriate in religious terms.Conclusions. This study showed that school teachers have inadequate knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation. Encouraging children and adolescents to make a well-informed decision about organ donation and to register this choice will depend largely on preparing school teachers with adequate knowledge and motivation toward creating generations with a positive attitude toward organ donation.     

Knowledge,Attitude, and Behavior Toward Organ Donation and Transplantation Among Medical Students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundOrgan donation is an integral part of medical ethics worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. Although the Saudi community has a positive attitude toward the concept of organ donation and transplantation, several factors prevent people from agreeing to donate organs and tissues. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the knowledge and attitudes medical students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia have toward organ donation and transplantation.MethodsA cross-sectional study among 722 medical students in the Eastern Province. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts: sociodemographic questions, organ donation and transplantation knowledge questions, and questions on attitudes toward organ donation and reasons for consenting or refusing to donate.ResultsBoth men and women had positive attitudes toward organ donation. The level of knowledge of organ donation and related procedures did not differ significantly among men (13.07%) and women (13.60%) (P < .027). The motives for donation were the desire to help others (88.8%) (P = .02) and sympathy (59.8%). The main source of information on organ donation for respondents was television, followed by the internet and relatives and/or friends.ConclusionsWhile medical students are generally supportive of organ donation and transplantation, they may lack basic knowledge on organ donation. Due to lack of basic knowledge, they become hesitant to make the decision to donate. It is recommended that additional organ donation modules be included in the student curriculum to increase the knowledge of future health care providers. Most of the participants would not change their attitudes toward organ donation based on the Saudi government initiatives to register for the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation organ donation program.     

Nurse Intervention: Attitudes and Knowledge About Organ Donation and Transplantation in Adolescents

BackgroundThe problems involved in obtaining authorization in favor of organ donation have led us to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes of a group of Spanish adolescents (14-16 years) regarding organ donation, transplantation, and brain death. The evaluation was carried out before and after a health education intervention by nursing personnel.MethodsExperimental, prospective and quantitative study. The educational intervention was carried out at Las Salinas high school (Laguna de Duero, Spain). We collected 86 preworkshop questionnaires and 88 post-workshop questionnaires.ResultsThe composition of the groups did not differ significantly in sex (P = .653), age (P = .266), or in the desire to be a donor (P = .099). We found significant postworkshop improvements in knowledge about brain death (P < .001) and which organs can be donated (P < .001), as well as in the total score (18.29 ± 2.45 before vs 21.47 ± 2.70 after) (P < .001). We discovered a vast lack of knowledge about the organs that cannot be transplanted, which included the penis (38.4%), uterus (31.4%), prostate (41.9%), or bladder (37.2%); these beliefs decreased significantly after the intervention (P < .01). The increase in knowledge of the organs that can be donated, including eye (P = .024), lung (P = .025), stomach (P < .001), intestine (P = .001), and skin (P < .001), was also significant.ConclusionsThe good results reflected the importance of conducting educational programs taught by health personnel on donation and organ transplantation in adolescents.     

Organ Donation: Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge and Personal Views of Brazilian Medical Students and Physicians

Objective

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior associated with cadaver organ donation and transplantation among medical students and physicians.

Patients and Methods

We randomly selected 350 medical students, 150 physicians, and 150 intensive care unit physicians. Each completed a questionnaire consisting of 9 self-administered items, from which we gathered data about their knowledge about brain death and criteria for the diagnosis of brain death; their hypothetical behaviors, assuming willingness to donate their own or their family's organs; their trust in physicians; and their confidence in a diagnosis of brain death made by physicians.

Results

We observed that knowledge about brain death increased with medical education level; the best results were noted in intensive care unit physicians. Agreement to transplant organs from brain-dead donors (odds ratio [OR], 4.58), confidence in brain-death diagnosis by physicians (OR, 2.17), and knowledge about criteria for the diagnosis of brain death (OR, 2.26) were predictors of willingness to donate one's own organs.

Conclusion

Enhanced medical knowledge of and involvement in donation are needed to achieve cadaver organ donation.     

Attitudes Toward Organ Donation in an Arab-Based Population

BackgroundCommitment to organ donation may vary among willing younger and older adults. We aimed to understand attitudes toward organ donation among Arab adults.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of adults from 13 regions in Saudi Arabia between February 12, 2021, and March 14, 2021. We stratified the analyses by individuals’ age (younger, 18 to 39 years old; older, ≥40 years old).ResultsOf 4217 individuals contacted, 3120 respondents (1846 younger and 1274 older) completed the survey, with a response rate of 74%. We found that 54% of younger and 47% of older respondents expressed support for organ transplantation, and 49% of younger and 35% of older respondents wanted to donate their organs. However, only 4% of younger and 3% of older respondents had registered in the national donor database. Knowledge sources that most likely to influence attitudes toward organ donation for younger and older respondents, respectively, were physician/health care worker (58% and 55%), family member (29% and 26%), scientist/researcher (29% and 22%), and religious scholar (16% and 23%).ConclusionThough many younger and older adults express a willingness to donate, few are registered to be a donor. Our findings highlight the influential sources of knowledge that can be implemented in future interventions to increase commitment to organ donation.     

Knowledge and Attitude of the Flemish Primary Care Physician Toward Organ Donation and Transplantation

PurposePrimary care physicians (PCP) might play an important role in the acceptance of organ donation (OD) in the population. This would require both a positive attitude and a good basic knowledge about the organ donation and transplantation (ODT) process. Studies on this subject are very limited however. The objectives of this study are to determine the knowledge and attitude of the PCP towards OD in Flanders.MethodsThree-hundred twenty-seven Flemish PCPs completed an electronic questionnaire, comprising 6 sections: demographic factors, practical experience, knowledge, education, attitude and potential role in the ODT process.ResultsEighty-seven percent of the Flemish PCP agree with the implementation of heart-beating organ donation. Ninety-four percent would agree to donate the organs of their own child. 80% know that even without explicit consent the prelevation of the organs and tissues of each potential Belgian donor will take place. Although they are aware of the current legislation, their knowledge regarding donor criteria showed significant gaps. A minority of the PCP's know that donors can be little brain-dead children (53%) or elderly above 70 years (45%). Only 61% of PCPs know that brain dead is associated with irreversible damage to the brain and only 28% know that more than one physician is involved in making the diagnosis. A majority (91%) is willing to play a role in the ODT process. But about two-thirds (61%) of them doubt their ability to answer questions of patients on this subject. 82.5% of this group would find it useful to participate in a specific training. When they are offered different choices to play a role in the process, the most accepted (84%) one is informing the transplant centre about the donor's medical history and risk behavior.ConclusionsThe Flemish PCP has a positive attitude towards ODT. He is willing to play a role in the ODT process. However, our study clearly documents deficits in the knowledge about brain death and the need for postgraduate training in the field of ODT. Correcting these deficits may be an important factor in improving the acceptance of organ donation.     

Quantitative Survey of Laypersons' Attitudes Toward Organ Transplantation in Japan

Background

In comparison with foreign countries, living-organ transplantations (LOT) have been performed more frequently than dead organ transplants, including brain-dead organ transplantation (BOT) in Japan. This situation has given rise to organ transplantation tourism. Therefore, we clarify laypersons' preferences regarding organ transplantation that are producing the current situation in Japan, to suggest a possible framework for further efforts.

Survey of Medical Students of Shahed University in Iran About Attitude and Willingness Toward Organ Transplantation

BackgroundTransplantation is a successful procedure that prolongs the lives of people suffering from debilitating diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess medical students' attitude toward organ donation.MethodsThe study population consisted of 262 medical students with a mean age of 22.1 ± 2.5 years who were surveyed using a reliable questionnaire that examined their attitudes and willingness. All data analyses were performed using Chi-square and analysis of variance tests with SPSS.ResultsThe medical students had highly positive attitude toward organ donation (mean score 4.34 ± 0.46) and a great willingness. Participants were more willing to donate their own organs than those of a deceased relative (85% vs 49.2%) to help others more than to develop science (91.2% vs 8.8%). The greatest willingness among students was kidney (84%) donation. There was no correlation between age, gender, education levels, and attitude toward organ donation.ConclusionThese findings necessitate an organized education program of medical students in all aspects of organ and tissue donation.     

Public Awareness Survey About Organ Donation and Transplantation

BackgroundThis survey was conducted to assess the public perception on organ donation and transplantation.MethodsA random sample of the population attending the outpatient clinics in Dhahran Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from December 1, 2011, to January 31, 2012, answered a questionnaire related to the above aim.ResultsFrom 582 subjects who answered the questionnaire, 85 were excluded for incoherent answers. From the remaining 497, 77.7% were males and 22.3% females with the age ranging from 18 to 65 years, and the majority was at a secondary or university level of education. More than 90% were aware organ transplantation and donation. From a religious point of view, 68.6% considered it legal to donate organs versus 26.2%. Those who disagreed with the concept of donation believed that one kidney is not enough to survive (50%), and that the remaining kidney may be affected (25.8%), whereas 15.2% expressed fear of the operation. Kidney transplantation was the preferred treatment for 73.2% of respondents and 12.75% were in favor of dialysis. Regarding financial incentive, 14.5% asked for reward from the government, 3.4% believed that the reward should come from the donor, and the majority (82.1%) stated that organ donation should be for the sake of God. Finally, there was a 61.2% willingness of respondents to donate relatives' organs after brain death.ConclusionThe level of awareness about donation and transplantation in our population was found to be satisfactory. Religion was not a bar for organ donation; moreover, financial incentive was not found to be a positive stimulus toward donation because the majority was willing to donate for the sake of God.     

Attitude and Knowledge of Medical Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Regarding Organ Donation

Background

The shortage of organ donation is the key rate-limiting factor for organ transplantation in Iran. Many strategies have been proposed to increase donation; one strategy aims to improve awareness of organ donation and transplantation among medical students. Medical students may play an important role in the acceptance of organ donation in the population. This requires both a positive attitude and an appropriate knowledge about the concept of organ donation and transplantation. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of the medical students of the largest medical university in northwestern Iran.