Knowledge and Attitude Toward Organ Donation and Transplantation Among the Adult Population in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Organ donation is a procedure in which an organ is surgically removed from a human to be transplanted into another. The need for organ transplantation is increasing with time, and thus, the gap in the awareness of organ donors about the process must be recognized. This study aims to raise awareness and perceptions regarding organ donation and transplantation among the adult population.

METHODS

Between May 2021 and April 2022, we conducted an analytical cross-sectional study involving residents of Bisha. We used a vetted, well-structured questionnaire distributed on media for data collection. We gathered sociodemographic data from the participants and evaluated their awareness and perspective on organ donation.

RESULTS

A total of 417 responses were recorded, and out of them, 65.7% had an average to good level of knowledge about organ donation, and 69.8% were shown to have a positive attitude toward organ donation. Mass media, comprising television, newspapers, magazines, and radio, accounted for the primary information source, constituting 29%. Participants who were willing to donate chose "to save someone's life" and "out of compassion and sympathy" as reasons for donation 71.7%. Meanwhile, those who disagreed to donate were hesitant due to the fear of health complications 56.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of awareness and willingness to donate are correlated, especially regarding knowledge regarding the procedure outcomes from the donor side. So, improving the knowledge and attitude is crucial to face the shortage and increasing organ donation and transplantation demands.