Authors: Amenah Alghamdi , Roaa Mohammed Aljehani , Layan Yassin Khan , Amal Ahmed Alrajhi , Lama Abdulkarim Aljohani , Nouf Hassan Alshareef , Ragad Saad Jalmood , Shahad Abdullah Alharbi , Atheer Abdulmohsen Alharbi

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Organ donation is lifesaving for many patients with underlying end-organ failure. Global interest in organ donation has increased in the last few years. However, awareness and ethical dilemmas surrounding organ donation can vary. This study is conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude toward solid organ donation among medical and health science students at King Abdulaziz University.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that was distributed to King Abdulaziz University medical and health science students to analyze their knowledge and attitudes towards organ donation.

Results: A total of 224 participants were included in the analysis. The majority of participants (74.6%) agreed with organ donation and had positive attitudes towards it. No association was found between level of training and knowledge (P=0.441). However, there was a significant association between knowledge and enrolment at the faculty of medicine (p= 0.0001) and between basic knowledge and gender (p=0.028). The topic of organ donation and transplantation was felt to be adequately covered in the current curriculum by 28.1%, whereas 87.1% preferred having designated lectures or seminars incorporated into the curriculum.

Conclusion:  there was predominance of positive attitudes towards organ donation and transplantation. However, organ donation and transplantation knowledge was limited. The majority of participants felt the need to have more training in organ donation and transplantation, highlighting the need for curriculum development and changes.

Keywords: Organ, donation, awareness, knowledge