Awareness, Beliefs and Barriers of Organ Donation among Saudis in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Although organ transplantation is considered as the only preferable treatment for end-stage organ disease, there are not many organ donors among Saudis.Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitude of Saudis in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, towards organ donation and to determine factors intervene with willingness of family to donate a member's organ. Methods:A cross-sectional study, data were collected through a valid structured interview questionnaire from 290 participants during organ donation campaign in May 2015. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data and data about participants' awareness and knowledge on organ donation. Data were analyzed and compared by participants' sex using appropriate statistical tests. Results:Of the interviewed 385 Saudis, 290 agreed to participate in the study with a response rate of 76.3%. The mean age of the participants was 27.2 ± 8.8 years. The study revealed 74.1% of the participants were willing to donate their organs with no significant differences between males and females, although only 2.7% of them reported to have a donation card. Religion, money, and age of the recipient appeared to have no role in their willing of organ donation. However, lack of awareness (21.7%), family refusal (20.6%) and fear of unknown (19.7%) were the most important barriers of organ donation. Conclusions:The study showed a considerable number of participants were willing to donate their organs that religion and financial reasons were not factors. More organ donation campaigns are needed to maximize public positive beliefs.

<p>Knowledge, Attitude, and Willingness Towards Organ Donation Among Medical and Health Sciences Students in Central Region, Saudi Arabia</p>

“…Healthcare professionals have an important task in educating and motivating the general population. 2,17 When comparing the various professional groups, it was observed that among all the healthcare workers, nurses and paramedics have maximum hour contact with patients, from their admission until discharge, as well as during follow-up. Their personal knowledge and attitudes on organ donation can play a crucial role in the decision-making process of potential patient/attenders regarding such.…”

Knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation among relatives of patients admitted in ICU

“…The study conducted by Ghaida Jabri et al [3] also revealed the same. In this study about, 138(76.7%) reported that donor consent is required for living donation and 165(91.6%) reported that family consent is required for organ donation after death.…”

“…About 15 (8.30%) participants never thought about organ donation. Whereas in the study conducted by Ghaida Jabri et al (2016) lack of awareness (21.7%), family refusal (20.6%) and fear of unknown (19.7%) were the most important barriers of organ donation [3]. This study revealed that 118 (80.82%) had appropriate knowledge towards organ donation which reflected in their attitude.…”

“…The study findings revealed that 114(63.3%) were willing to donate organs in future. The recent Saudi studies found that 74.1% of the participants were willing to donate their organs [3].…”

“…In India rate of organ donation in India is less (0.34 per 100 000 population) compared to developed countries [2]. There is shortage for organ donation despite of education and motivation of general public about organ donation [3]. Although organ transplantation has brought new horizons of hope to save patients life, it is associated with a variety of cultural, ethical, and religion-related barriers [4].…”