Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Professionals About Organ Donation and Transplantation in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Transplantation is the preferred therapy for terminal organ disease because it improves patients' long-term survival and quality of life. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding organ donation among medical students and doctors across Saudi Arabia. It is a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire distributed online through social media. The 32-item questionnaire was adapted from a previous study to assess organ donation knowledge, attitudes, and practices among medical students and doctors in Saudi Arabia. Participants demonstrate a moderate level of knowledge, with an average total knowledge score of 6.5 out of 12. Females have higher knowledge scores than males (p=0.037), and married participants score higher than non-married individuals (p=0.031). Interns and doctors score higher than medical students (p<0.001). Most participants support organ donation (85.13%), feel comfortable discussing it (81.28%), and are willing to donate their organs (61.03%). However, concerns about premature treatment termination for registered donors (35.64%) and the belief that your body should be kept intact after death (56.67%) are present. A minority have pledged or signed to donate (33.59%), and even fewer have donated organs (13.59%). Medical professionals in Saudi Arabia have moderate knowledge and good attitudes, but some are concerned about premature treatment termination for donors and fear of disfigurement. The findings highlight the need for educational interventions to improve knowledge and address concerns to bridge the gap between attitudes and actual organ donation practices.