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.     

Attitude Toward Organ Donation and Transplantation in Veterinary Students: A Multicenter and Stratified Study in Spain

Background

Veterinarians often hold decision-making positions in the public health care system and can therefore influence public opinion about organ donation and transplantation (ODT). The aim of this work was to analyze the attitude of Spanish veterinary students toward ODT, because they may influence public opinion in the future, and to determine the factors that condition it.

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.     

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Brain Death and Organ Donation Among Anesthesiology and Reanimation Professionals

PurposeWe aimed to establish the basic data for the improvement of the weak points by determining the knowledge and attitude of professionals in anesthesiology and reanimation or/and intensive care, who are 50% responsible for the diagnosis of brain death.MethodsAfter the approval of the ethics committee, questionnaires were sent to participants. The data were collected electronically. The questionnaire consists of 89 questions.ResultsA total of 564 (22.56%) completed questionnaires were returned. The sex distribution of the respondents was 207 (36.7%) female and 357 (63.3%) male; the mean age was 37 (SD, 7) years. Among participants, 87.2% reported needing ancillary testing for the diagnosis of brain death. Nevertheless, the rate of those who never needed ancillary testing was high among the participants who were specialized and working in hospitals covered by Erzurum RCC (31.2% and 26.7%, respectively) (P < .05). A total of 55.3% of respondents reported considering brain death and 41.9% reported considering circulatory arrest at the time of death. Participants’ religious beliefs are not against to organ donation (93.4%). However, the percentage of respondents who thought that families refuse organ donation because of their religion was 84.1%. Suggestions for increasing organ transplants from deceased donors include education (54.1%), religious support (21.4%), use of media resources (25%), government support and legislative changes (10.1% and 7.6%, respectively), and education of health workers (9.4%).ConclusionThe most important way to solve this problem is to give adequate education to main stakeholders. This is the most effective method to improve the public’s behavior.     

Development of a Reliable and Valid Organ Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale

Introduction

Knowledge has an important role in an individual's willingness to donate organs upon death. Knowledge enables clarification of false beliefs, which can increase willingness to consent to organ donation. The purpose of the study was to describe and examine the validity and reliability of the Organ-Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale (ODTKS).

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.     

Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Cuban Residents in Florida

BackgroundThe Cuban population residing in the state of Florida in the United States forms the largest population group of immigrants in that state. It has been described as a population with little awareness of organ donation. The objective is to analyze the factors that Cubans residing in the Florida refer to when expressing an unfavorable attitude toward organ donation and to determine the psychosocial factors associated with the attitude toward organ donation of this population group.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional observational study. From the Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante (International Donor Collaborative Project), a sample stratified by age and sex of Cubans residing in Florida (N = 1224) is obtained. The sample is analyzed using the validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS). The reasons against organ donation were analyzed using a specific multiresponse item, with an open response option. For the analysis of the psychosocial variables, a logistic regression analysis is carried out.ResultsA total of 38.2% (n = 468) of the individuals under study declared themselves against organ donation. Of those who were against, the reasons stated were (1) leave the dead in peace (n = 440; 57.6%); (2) religious reasons (n = 192; 25.1%); (3) fear of mutilation (n = 160; 20.9%); (4) assertive refusal (n = 128; 16.8%); (5) apparent death (n = 16; 2.1%); and (6) other reasons (n = 764; 62.4%).ConclusionsThe Cuban population residing in Florida who is against organ donation expresses various reasons. In addition, there are factors associated with the psychosocial profile toward organ donation of this important population group.     

Attitude of Health Professionals Toward Cadaveric Tissue Donation

Introduction

A positive attitude toward organ donation would be expected among health professionals from transplant centers with active donor activities. However, acceptance and knowledge about cadaveric tissue donation has been insufficiently studied.

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge and attitude of health professionals toward cadaveric tissue donation.

Methods

An anonymous survey composed of 23 questions was given to health professionals from 2 university hospitals with donation experience. Sociodemographic and professional characteristics were described to analyze knowledge and acceptance of cadaveric tissue donation.

Results

Among 600 distributed questionnaires we collected 514 completely answered surveys. Gender distribution was 399 females/115 males of ages ranging from 18-65 years, namely 18-28 years, 27%; 29-39 years, 31%; 40-50 years, 32%; and 51-65 years, 10%. Among the sample, 31% of health professionals had never been in contact with a transplant recipient. In this study 99.4% had knowledge about cadaveric organ donation compare with 89.7% about tissue donation. The knowledge about various types of tissue donation was as follows: eye, 96%; musculoskeletal, 87%; skin, 72%, and cardiovascular, 67%. In the sample, 93% and 92% accepted the opportunity to receive an organ or tissue transplantation, respectively. The acceptance of a tissue varied according to the type: cardiovascular, 93%; ocular, 94%; skin, 89%; and musculoskeletal, 87%. Participant acceptance of a relative's tissue donation was 74%, refusal was 22%, and with doubts was 4%.

Conclusions

Insufficient knowledge about cadaveric tissue was demonstrated among health professionals more exposed to the donation process. These results highlighted the importance of health professional's education to facilitate public information about organ and tissue donation.     

Trend Analysis of Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation

Background

The goal of this study was to identify the tendency toward donations of tissue and organs from donors with brain death between 2001 and 2016 as registered by an organ procurement organization in São Paulo City.

医院住院患者对器官移植与捐献的意愿调查

目的了解医院住院患者对器官移植与捐献相关领域的认知情况和态度。方法通过自编调查问卷形式,以医院住院患者为对象进行问卷调查。内容包括一般信息、对器官移植与捐献的认知和态度,并分析影响器官移植和捐献、对移植和捐献关注的问题以及捐献方式的影响因素。数据结果以SPSS 18.0进行分析。结果本次调查共发放问卷1 000份,回收973份,有效问卷906份,有效率为93.1%。906份有效问卷中,788例(87.0%)患者听过器官移植,118例(13.0%)未听过器官移植;189例(20.9%)有移植亲属,717例(79.1%)无移植亲属;511例(56.4%)愿意接受器官移植,226例(24.9%)不愿意,169例(18.7%)不知道;490例(54.1%)同意器官捐献,173例(19.1%)不同意,243例(26.8%)不知道。性别因素对器官移植(P=0.299)和捐献(P=0.327)的意愿均无影响,年龄、学历、职业、是否听过器官移植及是否有移植亲属对器官移植和捐献的意愿均有影响(P<0.01)。性别因素对关于器官移植(P=0.727)和器官捐献(P=0.935)关注问题均无影响,年龄、学历、是否听过器官移植、是否有移植亲属对器官移植和捐献后关注的问题均有影响(P<0.01)。对器官移植手术最关注的问题依次为:是否有可供移植的器官占28.7%(260/906),术后生活质量占23.0%(208/906),手术风险占21.5%(195/906),手术费用占19.5%(177/906),术后排斥反应占7.3%(66/906)。器官捐献后最关注的问题依次为:捐献器官的合理应用占57.4%(520/906),亲属的态度占23.8%(216/906),捐献补偿占17.6%(159/906),其他占1.2%(11/906)。捐献方式上,403例(44.4%)愿意接受心脏死亡器官捐献(DCD),257例(28.4%)愿意接受脑死亡器官捐献,246例(27.2%)愿意接受活体器官捐献。性别、学历和职业对捐献方式有影响(P<0.05),而年龄、是否听过器官移植和是否有移植亲属对捐献方式无影响(P>0.05)。结论对器官移植宣传的不足和高昂的移植费用是制约器官移植接受率的主要因素,随着时间推移、全民教育水平的不断提高和加强对器官移植的广泛宣传,器官移植的接受率将呈现不断增高的趋势。目前医院患者普遍接受的器官捐献方式仍然是DCD。建立一个合理运作的捐献器官分配体系和适当的捐献补偿机制是促进器官捐献事业发展的关键。     

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.     

Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Population of Cienfuegos,Cuba

Introduction

The sensitization of the population toward organ donation is fundamental; for that reason, it is important to determine the factors that condition the opinion toward donation on the population scope in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.

Attitude of Scottish Residents Living in Southeastern Spain Toward Organ Donation

Background

Southeastern Spain is a habitual area of residence for the native population of Scotland.

Objective

To assess the attitude toward donation in the immigrant population in our regional community who were born in Scotland and to analyze the variables that influence this attitude.

Materials and methods

A random sample was taken (n = 350) of the population group born in Scotland and living in southeastern Spain. The instrument used to measure attitude was a previously validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously between December 2005 and March 2006. For a control group, we used a sample of the autochthonous population (n = 2000). Statistical analysis included Student t test, the χ² test, Fisher exact test, and logistical regression analysis.

Results

The attitude toward donation was favorable among 73% of respondents (n = 237), with 7% (n = 22) against and 21% (n = 68) undecided. The attitude was more favorable than among the Spanish control group (73% vs 63%; P = .002). The following variables were related to this attitude: an understanding of the concept of brain death (P = .025); having discussed the matter within the family unit (P < .001); a partner's attitude toward donation (P < .001); being in favor of donating a family member's organs (P < .001); attitude toward cremation (P < .001); attitude toward autopsy (P = .002); and concern about mutilation after donation (P < .001).

Conclusions

The attitude of Scottish residents in southeastern Spain is more favorable than that of the Spanish population. It is mainly affected by factors related to the family and to the attitude toward manipulation of the cadaver.     

Public Awareness of Knowledge,Belief, and Attitude Regarding Organ Donation and Organ Transplantation: A National Survey From the United Arab Emirates

Background

Organ donation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was restricted until recently to living donation. This survey was conducted to explore the public knowledge, belief, and attitude regarding donation during life and after death.

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Santiago,Cuba

Introduction

Awareness about organ donation among the general population is fundamental to organ donation programs. It is important to determine the factors that influence attitudes toward organ donation within the general population in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.

Medical Students' Attitude Toward Organ Donation: Understanding Reasons for Refusal in Order to Increase Transplantation Rates

Objectives

To assess, among medical students, the willingness to donate their own organs or those of a family member, and to establish reasons for refusal.

Approach of Social Groups With Little Sensitization to Organ Donation: Pilot Study in the Gypsy Population to Assess the Best Approach to Determine the Attitude Toward Organ Donation for Transplantation

Background

There are social groups with very low donation rates, and action is needed to try to reverse this situation. The goal of this study was to determine which approach is the best to use with the gypsy population in Spain to determine their attitude toward 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.