Assessment of Community Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe demand for organ donation has increased because of the sharp rise in the number of transplant candidates worldwide. The main influences on the organ donation rate in Saudi Arabia were religious considerations and a lack of knowledge. The aim of this study was to explore community knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey study was conducted to assess community knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia in January 2022. The study population consisted of everyone who is currently residing in Saudi Arabia and is aged ≥18 years. The participants were questioned regarding the types of organs that might be donated, the potential health risks associated with organ donation, and the Saudi Arabian system for organ donation. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of better knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation.ResultsThe study involved 1208 participants, of which 63% reported that they would be willing to donate their organs for a family member. The most reported organs for which the participants reported they are willing to donate were the kidneys (48%), liver (25%), and heart (21%). Most reported that they would donate their organs to save someone's life (93%). The study participants showed mild to moderate level of knowledge about organ donation with a mean score of 5.4 (standard deviation [SD] 1.6), which is equal to 68% of the maximum obtainable score (which is 8). The study participants showed a mild positive attitude toward organ donation with a mean score of 3.3 (SD 1.3), which is equal to 47% of the maximum obtainable score (which is 7). Younger participants (aged 19-30 years) and those who work in the health care sector were more likely than others to be knowledgeable about organ donation (P ≤ .01). At the same time, participants aged 31 to 40 years were more likely than others to have positive attitudes toward organ donation (P ≤ .01).ConclusionsThe present study participants showed mild to moderate level of knowledge of and mild positive attitude toward organs donation. Awareness campaigns should be directed toward the elderly population to enhance their awareness and attitude toward this important lifesaving practice.     

Medical students' knowledge,attitudes and awareness toward organ donation

ObjectiveThis survey study aimed to evaluate medical students' attitudes, knowledge, and awareness toward organ donation.MethodsFor this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, 1000 medical students were interviewed, out of which 950 students agreed to participate in the study and were enrolled. A questionnaire form consisting of 29 questions was used to determine the students' socio-demographic characteristics and rate their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about organ donation.ResultsWhile 95.5% (n = 907) of the students stated that they had not donated organs, 41.1% stated that they had not yet decided to donate organs, and 59.7% stated that they had no specific reason for them not donating organs. Out of the participants, 68.1% stated that organ donation complies with the Islamic rules; 40.7% stated that the Directorate of Religious Affairs issued a fatwa on organ donation, and 39.4% stated that there are legal regulations on organ donation in the country. While 22.1% of the students stated that a person with brain death could come back to life, 19.7% stated that they did not know about this issue. The students who had donated organs and who did not show significant differences regarding the answers given to the questions about whether organ donation complies with religious rules (p < 0.001), where one must apply to donate organs (p = 0.032), the will to donate the organs of a relative with brain death (p = 0.004), and whether preaching in mosques and foundations is needed to increase organ donation rates (p = 0.042). Although there was a correlation between the students' grade and their attitude and knowledge about organ donation, this correlation was weak and showed no parallelism with increasing grades.ConclusionThis study indicates that medical students have inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about organ donation. In our opinion, it is of paramount importance to provide physician candidates, who should set an example for society, with periodic training on organ donation throughout their academic life in shaping the national organ donation policy in the future.     

Medical Students’ Views on Cadaver and Organ Donation

BackgroundOrgan and cadaver donation are 2 important issues that contribute to the future of medicine. Organ donation is a miraculous gift and enables the donor to continue to “live” in others. Cadavers are usually part of medical students’ first encounters with clinical work and play a very important role in medical education. The attitudes of medical students toward both organ and cadaver donation were evaluated in the current study.MethodsSixteen phrases about cadaver and organ donation were presented to the fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year students of the Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine. The answers were compared between male and female students using the χ² test.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the answers of the male and female students only to the first item (P = .043). Very important data were also obtained from the answers given to the other items in the study. Although many students, both male and female, agreed with the item “I would donate my organs,” the rate of agreement with “I would donate my body as a cadaver” was low for both sexes.ConclusionsThe results obtained from the study regarding organ and cadaver donation awareness are significant. It is extremely important to deal with the reluctance regarding this matter, starting from the medical students, to inform society in the appropriate manner.     

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.     

Correlations Between Demographics,Knowledge, Beliefs,and Attitudes Regarding Organ Transplantation Among Academic Students in Poland and Their Potential Use in Designing Society-wide Educational Campaigns

Background

Family objection precludes 10% of cadaveric donations in Poland. Academic students represent a socially influential demographic group. Educational campaigns improving their attitudes may increase overall donation rates. The aim of this study was to assess correlations between knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding organ transplantation and the identification of the most critical factors affecting one's donation preferences.

Methods

Eight hundred students from 4 public universities in Krakow, Poland, participated in the study; participants were diverse in age, sex, hometown population, and academic discipline (400 medical, 400 non-medical). This cross-sectional study was conducted with the use of a group-administered questionnaire inquiring into demographics, general and professional knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward organ transplantation.

Results

Attitudes toward organ donation correlate positively with beliefs (ρ = 0.36), general knowledge (ρ = 0.48), and professional knowledge (ρ = 0.23) scores. Beliefs were proven to correlate with general (ρ = 0.21) and professional (ρ = 0.26) knowledge as well. Misconceptions about the medical criteria allowing cadaveric organ recovery, distrust for brain death reliability, fear of “do not resuscitate” approach toward Organ Donor Card holders, a strong belief in organ trafficking, and unawareness of family members' attitudes are the most important factors influencing one's refusal/uncertainty to donate.

Conclusions

Knowledge, attitudes, and refusal rates differ, depending on the academic discipline as well as other demographics, indicating a need for a specifically targeted approach in designing educational campaigns. Sources of knowledge are related to donation rates, with pre-academic education evaluated as unfavorable, as opposed to healthcare providers and the media.     

Does Death Anxiety Affect the Attitude Towards Organ Donation?

BackgroundIt is important to determine the attitudes of nurse candidates towards organ transplantation and their death anxiety levels to help patient families make an informed decision about organ donation.AimThe aim of this study is to examine nurse candidates' public knowledge and attitude towards organ donation.MethodsThe research was conducted with nursing students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, between December 2021 and February 2022. Data were collected using a personal information form, Fear of Death Scale (FODS), and Organ Donation Attitude Scale (ODAS).ResultsOur study determined that the percentage of students who wanted to donate organs and the death anxiety average of students were moderate. It was determined that students' positive attitudes towards organ donation were high and negative attitudes were low, and there was a negative relationship between them (p<0.001). In this study, in the comparison of death anxiety by gender, the mean scores of women's death anxiety, thinking about death and witnessing death, suffering, and uncertainty of death were found to be higher than men's, and the difference was significant (p<0.001).ConclusionAs a result, it is thought that improving the attitudes of future nurse candidates towards organ transplantation will significantly affect their organ transplantation decisions. Education is required for students with insufficient experience.     

Survey of First-Year Medical Students to Assess Their Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Organ Transplantation and Donation

Background

The important shortage of organ donors is still a fundamental public health problem in France. Improving the knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals could help to promote organ donation. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the level of knowledge of medical students and their gaps about organ donation prior to any medical course.

Materials and Methods

A survey was conducted among 571 first-year medical students at a medical faculty in Lyon. Their knowledge, attitudes, personal views, and perceptions toward organ donation and transplantation were investigated prior to any medical course. A 31-item anonymous questionnaire including queries about personal views of organ donation, factual knowledge, and awareness of French law was distributed to the students.

Results

To “willingness to donate a kidney to a relative,” 97.7% of respondents consented, 0.9% objected, and 1.4% did not answer. Their attitudes toward cadaveric organ donation were different: 81.1% agreed, 13.5% refused, and 5.4% did not answer. Regarding their knowledge about which organs could be transplanted, 95% of the respondents were aware of the possibility to transplant a face and 14% thought that xenotransplantation was performed nowadays.

Conclusions

First-year medical students have a good knowledge level regarding the organ donation and transplantation system prior to their medical course. Some gaps remain which could be improved. The results of this study supported a greater emphasis on providing information regarding transplantation in medical schools to improve the knowledge of future health care professionals. A follow-up survey of the participants at the end of their medical course will be interesting to assess the progress of their attitudes.     

护理学专业学生器官捐献意愿与死亡态度现状的调查分析

目的  调查护理学专业学生（护生）的器官捐献知信行及其死亡态度现状。方法  采用方便抽样法选取天津市3所医学院校共409名护生为研究对象,采用器官捐献量表和中文版死亡态度描绘量表进行横断面调查。采用Epidata 3.1软件录入问卷,总结409名护生的一般情况,分析护生器官捐献知信行现状、死亡态度现状,并对护生死亡态度与器官捐献意愿相关性进行分析。结果  护生器官捐献知识了解不够全面,捐献态度大致上呈现出中立或偏正向态度;仅有10.5%的护生愿意捐献器官。护生对死亡态度倾向于自然接受。器官捐献意愿与死亡态度有一定的相关性,其中死亡恐惧是影响护生器官捐献意愿的主要因素（P＜0.05）。结论  目前我国护理专业学生器官捐献意愿仍处于较低水平,并受到死亡恐惧的影响。社会、医学院校应针对当前现状对护生加强死亡教育,帮助其树立积极的死亡态度,促进器官捐献事业的发展。     

Knowledge and Attitude of Donor Cardholders Toward Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation in an Iranian Tissue Bank: A Case-Control Study

Background

Cadaveric organ shortage is the most important obstacle to more widespread provision of transplants. Many factors influence the donation rate: social factors, religion, familial relations, and especially knowledge and attitudes toward organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Increasing public awareness can reform the incorrect beliefs and myths about donation and transplantation. This study investigated knowledge and attitudes of donor cardholders toward organ and tissue donation as well as transplantation.

Methods

This case-control study was performed in 2006 among 178 donor cardholders and the same number of a control group who completed a questionnaire including 23 questions and demographic information.

Findings

Knowledge and attitude among the cardholder was significantly greater than the control group (P < .05). We observed a inverse correlation between age and a positive attitude toward donation and transplantation among cardholders.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the main reasons for refusal to donate organ and tissue were insufficient knowledge and negative attitudes due to misinformation regarding donation and transplantation. We believe that educating and motivating the public via the mass media can increase the rate of consent for organ and tissue donation and transplantation.     

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.     

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.     

Influence of Empathy,Beliefs, Attitudes,and Demographic Variables on Willingness to Donate Organs

Background

As organ transplantation has become a more routine medical procedure, there has been a growing interest in studying people's attitudes and knowledge concerning organ donation. Trait empathy and self-interest influence different pro-social behaviors to a great extent; still, their role in the promotion of organ donation registration and willingness to donate organs remains unclear. However, people with higher levels of empathy report more altruistic beliefs. We assessed the influence of empathy, beliefs, and demographic variables on willingness to donate organs.

Methods

We included 191 subjects (135 female, 56 male) aged 16–61 years (mean, 26.86 ± 12.88), who participated in educational meetings concerning organ donation. The group was composed of students, teachers, and nurses. Survey tools included the Individual Questionnaire: Study of Attitudes Towards Transplantation, consisting of 26 closed-ended questions (with the consent of the Krakow Statistical Office) and the Empathy Scale by Mehrabian and Epstein.

Results

Of the respondents, 97.4% accept transplantation from living donors, 95.8% accept deceased donations, and 78.5% agree with posthumous life-saving organ donation. The majority of respondents (73%) achieved an average level of empathy, and 20.4% of respondents exhibited considerably higher empathy levels. There was a significant difference between the respondents' sex and their agreement to make a life-saving organ donation. Differences were found among the groups, the attitudes and willingness to donate organs, and between the level of empathy and agreement/consent for organ donation.

Conclusions

Our findings show that the group in general has favorable beliefs about transplantation and declares a willingness to make a posthumous organ donation. These beliefs vary based on demographic variables. Education about organ and tissue donation a has a positive impact on donation and transplantation rates.     

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.     

Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Care Professionals and Laypeople in Relation to Brain Death Diagnosis and Organ Donation in Hungary: A Questionnaire Study

ObjectivesThe aim of the present work was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of different health care workers and laypeople toward the donation and transplantation procedure.Subjects and methodsA survey consisting of questions regarding brain death diagnosis, legal organization or organ donation, and the transplantation procedure were sent to participants: 56 intensive care unit (ICU) doctors, 76 ICU nurses, 188 sixth-year medical students, and 320 general practitioners (GPs). Laypeople were also asked to complete the survey.ResultsThe majority of participants reported being aware of legal regulations for organ donation in Hungary (88.5%). Roughly 25% of GPs and 60% of laypeople were unaware of the opt-out system effective in the country. Less than one-third of ICU physicians (26.9%) and nurses (34.7%) were able to list the organs that may be transplanted from a deceased donor; GPs (22.4%) and medical students (20%) performed even worse on this item. The willingness of ICU specialists (57%) and ICU nurses (45%) to support donating their own organs was moderate.ConclusionsThe results of this survey indicate a need for graduate and postgraduate education and regular teaching programs regarding organ donation and transplantation. More active use of modern media is proposed to improve public awareness and acceptance of organ donation.     

Knowledge and attitude of intensivists toward organ donation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Organ transplantation has been widely accepted as a solution for end-stage organ failure.The limitation has been organ shortage. The intensivist plays a major role in the different stages of the donation process. This study investigated the knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and transplantation amongst intensivists in the major hospitals of Riyadh. The study was conducted in June 2002. Twenty-two intensivists in the intensive care units (ICUs)of 4 hospitals in Riyadh participated in the study. A questionnaire was distributed concerning knowledge and attitude on donation and transplantation. The information was tabulated and analyzed. Only 50% appreciated the high success rate of modern organ transplantation. One fourth did not know of the role of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT). Most of the intensivists knew the Islamic view on transplantation. Many would be willing to allow donation from a deceased relative. However, only 13% carry donation cards. Most participants believed that the organ shortage was mainly due to family refusal to donate. Intensivists need to have better insight into the obstacles to donation that can be solved at the level of the hospital and the ICUs. Moreover, the communication gap between ICUs and SCOT needs to be bridged to optimize the use of all potential donors.     

Attitude,Willingness, and Associated Factors in Organ Donation Among Health Professionals in Gondar,Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundOrgan transplantation is considered one of the greatest advances of modern science, and it has given many patients a renewed lease on life. The demand for organs far exceeds the supply. Health professionals are fundamental in the process of organ procurement.ObjectiveTo assess the attitude, willingness, and associated factors in organ donation among health professionals of Gondar, Ethiopia.MethodsOur cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 randomly selected health professionals in Gondar using a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the data.ResultsAmong health professionals, 79.1% had favorable attitude toward organ donation and 74.6% were willing to donate their organs. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of having a favorable attitude about organ donation were 3.2 and 11.9 times higher in the professions of laboratory technologists and medical doctors, respectively. By keeping all other variables constant, attitude was found to be positively associated with awareness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.71-43.8) and being a member of the Red Cross Association (aOR 5.24, 95% CI 1.46-18.96). Willingness was positively associated with awareness (aOR 6.25, 95% CI 2.0-19.53), a member of the Red Cross Association (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 1.5-17.22), a laboratory technologist (aOR 3.57, 95% CI 1.37-9.29), and a medical doctor (aOR 6.52, 95 % CI 1.93-22.01).ConclusionsThe main findings indicated that the majority of health professionals in Gondar had a favorable attitude toward organ donation and were willing to donate their organs in times of need.     

The Difference in the Attitude of Chinese and Japanese College Students Regarding Deceased Organ Donation

Background

Under the influence of traditional oriental culture, the lack of organ donation is especially serious in China and Japan. The aim of this study was to compare Chinese and Japanese college students' attitudes and analyze contributing factors toward deceased donation.

Methods

An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire comprising 15 questions was distributed to approximately 400 college students at Liaoning University, China, and Kyushu University, Japan. Statistical analysis used SPSS software.

Results

Japanese students' attitude towards deceased organ donation was more favorable than that of Chinese students (43.6% versus 35.9%, P = .001). Several factors contributed to positive responses by students from both countries: family perspective on organ donation and transplantation; decision to donate to family members; prior blood donation; living liver or kidney donation; possibility of needing a transplant; and willingness to receive a deceased or a living donor organ.

Conclusions

More efforts must emphasize awareness and up-to-date knowledge regarding organ donation among citizens and should be undertaken by the Chinese and Japanese governments.     

The perception of organ donation among health-care providers in the intensive care units at a tertiary center

The growing demand for organs continues to outpace the supply. The aim of our study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of organ donation procedures among the health-care providers in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at a tertiary hospital. This was a questionnaire-based study conducted in December 2011 among the health-care providers at five ICUs in a tertiary teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 154 participants completed the questionnaire. Eighty percent of the participants acknowledged that organ donation is a legal practice in Saudi Arabia, but only 73% knew that the hospital had an organ donation policy. However, only 34% were willing to participate in a training program for organ donation. Interestingly, only 57% were willing to donate their organs. Our results suggest that more measures should be taken to educate the health-care providers regarding the concept of organ donation and the ethical and religious beliefs. Also, the policy of the hospital and the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation regarding the process of organ donation should be strongly emphasized.