Knowledge and attitude towards organ donation among adult population in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Organ transplantation is a lifesaving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. Despite the advanced medical science and technology, shortage of organs had led to a growing gap between the demand for organs and the number of donors. With a limited number of studies on the subject and based on those findings, the public knowledge and attitudes must be assessed to understand more clearly that why many people are opposing donating their organs in Saudi Arabia. The objective of our study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of the adult population toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study where the information was collected using a self-administered questionnaire in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed in both King Khalid Hospital and Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, and data gathered analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). There were a total of 403 respondents. Nearly 35.6% did not have the knowledge that organ donation is legal in the KSA. Almost 97% did not know where to go if they want to become donors. All of who were willing to donate, the most common reason was to save someone's life (92.7%). Body distortion (39%) and fear of health complications (35%) were the most common causes people opposed donation. It was suggested that, in order to increase the awareness for organ donation, the important role of health workers and hospital displays should be immediately addressed and public lectures should be held on regular basis. Information regarding organ donation should be incorporated with clear messages in various mass media.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception on organ donation among undergraduate medical and nursing students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in the southern part of India: A cross-sectional study

“…[1013] This could have been attributed due to the differences of opinion from various religious groups, which has been proved in other studies. [272930] The median score for the statement on willingness to donate their organs was higher (4 [4–5]) in our study [Table 3] similar to studies;[1011132831] however, further questions were not asked if they have signed an organ donor card which could have informed us about their practice.…”

Knowledge and Willingness for Organ Donation in the Middle Eastern Region: A Meta-analysis

“…Table 1 shows that willingness to donate organs is related to knowledge about organ donation (Abbasi et al 2018 ; Sayedalamin et al 2017 ; Agrawal et al 2017 ; Merdad et al 2017 ; Elsafi et al 2017 ; Al Habeeb et al 2017 ; Flayou et al 2016 ; Al Bshabshe et al 2016 ; Almohsen et al 2016 ; Afzal Aghaee et al 2015 ; Alsaied et al 2012 ; Alam 2007 ; Shahbazian et al 2006 ; El-Shoubaki and Bener 2005 ). Among the 14 included studies, knowledge was measured by administering a questionnaire which included the questions addressing various aspects of organ donation.…”

“…Three studies were conducted in general population (Alam 2007 ; Shahbazian et al 2006 ; El-Shoubaki and Bener 2005 ). One study was among out-patients in a hospital (Agrawal et al 2017 ).…”

“…Knowledge was measured Bshabshe et al 2016;Almohsen et al 2016;Afzal Aghaee et al 2015;Alsaied et al 2012). Religious and cultural reasons for not donating organs in the adult general population ranged from 44.8 to 49.8% (Agrawal et al 2017;Al Habeeb et al 2017). In contrast, religious and cultural reasons for not donating organs among healthcare professionals were less when compared to general population; physicians (12.3%), nurses (26.1%) and allied health personnel (36.1%) (Alsaied et al 2012).…”

Attitude and knowledge about Organ Donation among Nurses in Croatia, A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

“…In a research conducted by Puharić and associates [11], most participants were unsure of the decision or would not donate their organs as well as the organs of family members. Some of the reasons for a negative attitude towards organ donation are familial [12], loss of body integrity [13], mutilation of the body and fear of complications [14], as well as concern about medical errors and organ tra cking [15].…”