Perceptions and attitudes towards organ donation among people seeking healthcare in tertiary care centers of coastal South India

Awareness, Attitude, and Beliefs Regarding Organ Donation Among the General Public in Saudi Arabia

Background

Organ donation is a lifesaving option to rescue many patients with end-stage organ failure from possible morbidities and mortalities. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of donors, many patients suffering from their illnesses are waiting for an organ. This study aimed to determine the awareness, attitude, and beliefs toward organ donation among the Saudi population.

Patients and Methods

This is an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Saudi Arabia between July and September 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the general public using an online platform. The questionnaire consists of two sections: the first is about demographic data, and the second is about questions to assess awareness, attitude, and beliefs regarding organ donation. The Chi-squared test was used to examine the differences in participants' awareness, attitude, and beliefs towards organ donation. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of a positive attitude towards organ donation.

Results

A total of 3507 individuals participated in this study. Around 68.1% were aged between 18 and 30 years. Twenty-four percent of them knew of the legislative body for organ donation; 58.5% believed that organ donation should be promoted; and 66.1% had a positive attitude toward donating body organs. Younger age (31-50 years), male gender, being unemployed or working in a government job, and being married were factors that decreased the likelihood of having a positive attitude towards organ donation.

Conclusion

Although there was a positive attitude and belief about organ donation, awareness was suboptimal. Younger age, male gender, being unemployed or working in a government job, and being married were factors that decreased the likelihood of having a positive attitude towards organ donation. It is necessary to address the gaps in knowledge, and social media as well as mass media may have an important role in bridging the gaps.

Sex and Gender Disparities in Living Kidney Donation: A Scoping Review

Background

Women are more likely than men to be living kidney donors. We summarized the evidence concerning the reasons behind sex and gender disparities in living kidney donation (LKD).

Methods

A scoping review of quantitative and qualitative evidence on reasons for sex and gender disparities in LKD was conducted from inception to March 2023.

Results

Of 1123 studies screened, 45 were eligible for inclusion. Most studies were from North America, Europe, and Central Asia (n = 33, 73%). A predominance of women as living donors (55%-65%) was observed in 15 out of 18 (83%) studies. Reasons for sex and gender disparities in LKD included socioeconomic, biological, and cognitive or emotional factors. A gendered division of roles within the families was observed in most studies, with men being the primary income earner and women being the main caregiver. Fear of loss of income was a barrier to male donation. Human leukocyte antigen sensitization through pregnancy in female recipients precluded male partner donation, whereas female donation was supported by altruism and a positive attitude toward LKD.

Conclusions

Sex imbalance in LKD is prevalent, with a predominance of women as living donors. Such disparities are driven by societal and cultural perceptions of gender roles, pregnancy-induced sensitization, and attitudes toward donation and at least some of these factors are modifiable. Donor compensation to support predonation assessments and income loss, implementation of innovative desensitization treatments, promotion of paired kidney exchange program, and targeted educational initiatives to promote equitable living donation may help to close the gender gap in LKD.

An empirical investigation on the impact of attitudes towards organ donation in India

Background: Organ shortage is a global issue and it is imperative to take steps to bridge this gap. In the Indian context, despite its demographic dividend, the rate of organ donation has been abysmally low. This emphasizes a need to demystify the antecedents of organ donation intention among the Indian population. Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design and adopting a post-positivism research philosophy, this study identified 259 respondents by adopting a purposive sampling approach and data on knowledge of organ donation was collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Results: Awareness of organ donation law in India is low on specific issues and respondents from the health science & medicine discipline scored better on knowledge about organ donation. The findings show that most participants had heard about organ donation and had a favourable attitude toward it. The primary sources of information on organ donation were television and newspapers, and healthcare service providers. A complementary partial median is established (β = .217, t = 5.889, p < .001) which implies that willingness to discuss with family significantly mediates the association between attitude towards organ & tissue donation and willingness to sign the donor card. Conclusion: This study revealed that there is a general awareness of organ and tissue donation among the Indian population, but they lack clarity on certain specific issues. Mass media has to be effectively used to build awareness campaigns revolving around enhancing knowledge on a specific issue and building acceptance of the concept of organ and tissue donation.

Impact of Structured Training Program about Cadaver Organ Donation and Transplantation on Knowledge and Perception of Nursing Students at Public and Private Nursing Teaching Institute of Northern India - An Interventional Study

Background

"Donation gap" refers to the shortage of organ donors worldwide. The medical/nursing students and various healthcare workers have poor awareness and attitude toward organ donation.

Objective

We conducted this study to assess the current level of knowledge and perception regarding cadaver organ donation and transplantation among nursing students and to evaluate the impact of structured training interventions on their baseline knowledge and perception level.

Methods

It was a single-group pre-post interventional study done by nursing students of one government and one private nursing college.A pre-tested questionnaire was used as a study tool.

Statistical Analysis

Various statistical tests like one-way repeated measure ANOVA, Mauchly's test of sphericity, and Greenhouse-Geisser correction were used. Pairwise comparisons used Bonferroni corrections.

Results

The pre-test group had the lowest mean knowledge (50.2346, SD = 15.35188), and immediately after training group had the highest (57.3900, SD = 14.34626). After one month, knowledge decreased but was still higher than pretraining (mean = 52.3607, SD = 13.28141).

Conclusions

The positive attitude of nursing students may augment cadaver organ donation and transplantation in the future. The study has also highlighted the further training needs of the participants.

Assessment of Awareness Level Regarding Organ Donation among Healthcare Professionals and Students in India

Introduction

Organ donation can be a life-saving opportunity for patients with severe organ failure. In India, the rate of organ donation of the deceased Indian population is exceptionally low. This necessitates enhancing awareness regarding organ donation among health care professionals and students, which can motivate the general population.

Aim

To assess and analyze the awareness level of healthcare professionals and students on organ donation in order to suggest potential strategies regarding improvement of awareness and willingness towards organ donation.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional online and offline survey was conducted at the national level between July 2022 and September 2022. Indian healthcare professionals as well as students of various fraternities were included. The Snowball sampling technique was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was undertaken using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, version 25.

Results

A total of 1,303 respondents were enrolled in this study. The majority of the participants were students (66.5%) residing in southern India (89.6%) pursuing medical profession (88.9%). The predominant age group was 18-24 years (73.9%). The awareness level regarding organ donation among healthcare professionals and students was 69%. Healthcare professionals and respondents aged 40 years and above had better awareness levels regarding organ donation which was reported as statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals and students awareness about organ donation need to be improved. Strategies including but not limited to prioritizing employment and education to the first relatives of the deceased organ donor should be implemented by the government to legally improve organ donation willingness.

How to cite this article

Chandrasekaran S, Chandrasekaran VP, Nandi D, Setty RS, Srinivasan O, Kaur KN. Assessment of Awareness Level Regarding Organ Donation among Healthcare Professionals and Students in India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(1):57-63.

Organ Procurement, Donation, and Transplant Awareness in an Urban Eastern European Region: A General Population Survey

BACKGROUND Despite significant improvements in Romania's transplantation system, actual donor numbers have paradoxically fallen, contrary to the European trend. With a donation rate of 3.44 donors per million inhabitants, Romania ranks near the bottom of European countries. This study aimed to identify several predictors of a positive attitude toward organ donation in the Romanian population that could aid in reshaping public policies to improve donation and transplantation rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included a representative Iasi population. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire focused on revealing attitudes toward organ donation, importance of consent, willingness to donate a family member's organs, and role of medical staff in the donation decision. A perception score was calculated as a methodological approach to validate attitudes toward organ donation. RESULTS Of all respondents, 55% agreed to donate their organs if declared brain-dead, while 20% opposed this idea; 72.7% considered consent necessary; 70% believed that consent must belong to the family when it comes to brain-dead organ donors; and 44.5% supported the idea of financial compensation. Higher monthly income was correlated with a positive attitude toward organ donation. CONCLUSIONS Even though the study population had a positive attitude toward organ donation, the willingness to donate was lower than in other European countries and did not translate into actual donations. The necessity of informed consent, lack of knowledge on the topic, bureaucratic aspects, and openness to financial compensation could explain the current situation of the Romanian transplantation system.

Strategies to Improvise Organ Donor Pool: A Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Performance of Higher Secondary School Teachers Towards the Organ Donation

Introduction

This study aimed to assess higher secondary school teachers' knowledge, attitude, and performance levels towards organ transplantation and donation (OTD). Teachers have an essential role in giving knowledge to children and teenagers, and they can influence their views. Organ transplantation offers re-life to many patients, yet organ shortages are a global issue. Teachers who influence students' future attitudes regarding organ donation must have a favorable attitude and genuine knowledge.

Materials and Methods

The research method was descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample size was 372 school teachers in Villupuram district of Tamilnadu, India, selected using a convenient sampling method. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitude about OTD, the reason for donating/not donating organs. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify critical variables affecting intent to practice.

Results

The teachers' mean scores with SD on knowledge, attitude, and performance were 7.61 ± 2.74, 8.81 ± 2.08, and 0.38 ± 0.11, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed that the knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitude (p < 0.05) of the participants were positively associated with organ donation performance. A significant relationship was also observed between gender (p < 0.036), age (p < 0.01), and education status (p < 0.001) with the performance of the teachers. Lack of family support was the most spelt reason for unwillingness for organ donation.

Conclusion

The positive linear correlations underline that having more information may lead to a more optimistic mindset and, as a result, to better practices. Teachers should be provided with overall health teaching campaigns to increase the number of possible organ donors. Teachers serve as role models for students, families, and society by changing their attitudes.

Perceptions and attitudes towards companion animal brain banking in pet owners: A UK pilot study

Background

Detailed analysis of archived brain tissue is fundamental to advancing the understanding of neurological disease. The development of the UK Brain Bank Network (UBBN) has provided an invaluable resource to facilitate such research in the human medical field. Similar resources are needed in veterinary medicine. However, collection and archiving of companion animal brain tissue is a potentially sensitive area for pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Methods

Using an online survey, we aimed to study pet owners’ perceptions of brain banking. The survey included information on respondents, their views on organ donation, the UBBN and the Royal Veterinary College's Companion Animal Brain Bank (RVC CABB).

Results

In total 185 respondents were included. The use of brain tissue from pets for research was supported by 87% of respondents, and 66% of respondents felt that they were highly likely or likely to donate their pet's brain tissue to a CABB. Furthermore, 94% felt that more information on tissue banking in companion animals should be readily available.

Conclusions

We found that the perceptions of companion animal brain banking were positive in our respondents. Open dialogue and clear information provision on the process and benefits of the CABB could enhance awareness and thus facilitate brain donation for translational research.

Barriers towards deceased organ donation among Indians living globally: an integrative systematic review using narrative synthesis

OBJECTIVES

To understand the barriers towards deceased organ donation among Indians living globally.

DESIGN

Integrative systematic review using narrative synthesis.

DATA SOURCES

CINAHL, Medline full-text, PsycInfo, Scopus, Global Health, Web of Science, and PubMed Central, Indian Journal of Transplantation and Google Scholar.

TIME PERIOD

1 January 1994 to 31 December 2021.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals of Indian origin living globally.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine studies were included with more than 29 000 participants and quality of the studies were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool. Though majority of the participants had knowledge toward organ donation with a positive influence on willingness, the gap between knowledge and willingness was huge, with minimal registration influenced by the complex sociocultural constructs. Various sociocultural constructs such as family, fear and mistrust, religion, and bodily issues play a vital role. Differences were identified in willingness to donate and register between southern and other regions of India. Indian's organ donation behaviour in other geographical locations differed based on the socioreligious background of the country they lived in such as in Malaysia, Canada and the UK. However, they were collective in decision-making and had complex sociocultural interference irrespective of the country the individual lived which differed only in their next generations.

CONCLUSION

Though this study showed the complex relationship, and its influences on organ donation behaviour, lacunae were identified to further understand how such complex interactions determine or inform the behaviour. Also, methodological issues were identified, where this particular population outside India were collectively studied with their neighbouring population which are not homogenous. Studies in India majorly addressed a similar aim using similar methods which produced repetition of studies leading to lack of diversified, wider and in-depth research. Therefore, while this systematic review addressed the barriers toward organ donation among Indians living globally, it also informs various gaps in research and also methodological issues.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019155274.

Assessing medical mistrust in organ donation across countries using item response theory

Although medical mistrust (MM) may be an impediment to public health interventions, no MM scale has been validated across countries and the assessment of MM has not been explored using item response theory, which allows generalisation beyond the sampled data. We aimed to determine the dimensionality of a brief MM measure across four countries through Mokken analysis and Graded Response Modelling. Analysis of 1468 participants from UK (n = 1179), Ireland (n = 191), India (n = 49) and Malaysia (n = 49) demonstrated that MM items formed a hierarchical, unidimensional measure, which is very informative about high levels of MM. Possible item reduction and scoring changes were also demonstrated. This study demonstrates that this brief MM measure is suitable for international studies as it is unidimensional across countries, cross cultural, and shows that minor adjustments will not impact on the assessment of MM when using these items.

Awareness about brain death and attitude towards organ donation in a rural area of Haryana, India

Introduction

Awareness about brain death influences organ donation behaviour of community. There is huge gap in the demand and availability of organs in India. This study was carried out with the objective of assessing awareness about brain death and attitude towards organ donation in a rural community.

Material and Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 1050 adults in a rural area of district Faridabad, Haryana. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using SPSS v17.

Results

80% of the study participants had heard about organ donation. Among them, about 40% were aware of brain death. Majority of the study participants (71.5%) were willing to donate organ irrespective of circumstances. Totally, 94.6% participants had the perspective that special facility should be there for organ donors and their families. Awareness was significantly more among men and among those educated above primary level.

Conclusion

Knowledge about brain death is crucial in convincing people into organ donation. Hence more efforts should be made to educate and make people aware about brain death and its implications for organ donation.

Pilot testing of a computer-based self-instructional module on organ donation for improvement in knowledge and acceptability of nurses working in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care institute

Objectives:

Nurses are an integral team member in intensive care units (ICU) and can play important role in facilitating the organ donation process. Hence, the sensitisation of these nurses is important. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a computer based self-instruction module (CBSIM) in terms of improving the knowledge and acceptability of nurses in relation to organ donation.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, 56 nurses working in an ICU were enrolled using the total enumeration technique. After filling up of the demographic profile, nurses attempted online pre-test, containing 20 randomly selected multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from a validated and pre-tested question bank containing 150 MCQs. The intervention consisted of self-paced CBSIM containing nine modules on different aspects of organ donation. The intervention was completed in 25 ± 5 days, followed by an online post-intervention test. Acceptability of the CBSIM by nurses about organ donation was assessed as a secondary outcome on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results:

A significant gain in knowledge scores was observed after the CBSIM (4.9 ± 1.14 vs. 7.35 ± 1.34, P < 0.001) with high acceptability of CBSIM by most of the nurses (59.2%).

Conclusion:

CBSIM was effective in improving the knowledge of nurses related to organ donation and highly acceptable to most of the nurses working in ICU. Hence, CBSIM can be used as a method of learning for nurses.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of ICU, CCU, and Emergency Wards Nurses in Kermanshah, Iran, regarding Organ Donation

Background

Providing an organ for donation is a major problem worldwide and nurses play an important role in facilitating the process of organ donation. This study is aimed at investigating the knowledge, attitude, and performance of nurses working in the ICU, CCU, and emergency wards regarding organ donation.

Methods

In this descriptive-analytical study, 185 nurses working in ICU, CCU, and emergency wards were studied through systematic random sampling. The data collection was done by a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The mean knowledge of nurses was 8.9 ± 1.4 out of 10. There was a significant relationship between knowledge of nurses regarding donation and religion and having organ donation card (P < 0.001). The mean attitude of nurses was 7.8 ± 2.2 out of 8. The variables, including “having a donation card and marriage,” were associated with attitude of nurses toward organ donation. The mean performance of nurses was 0.4 ± 0.7 out of 3. There was a significant relationship between performance of nurses and having a donation card (P < 0.001). Knowledge was the strongest predictor of nurses' performance (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The studied nurses showed sufficient knowledge and favorable attitude toward organ donation; however, they had poor performance. It is suggested to hold training courses to improve performance of nurses. The revision of the nursing students' curriculum as future nurses should also be considered.

Attitudes and perceptions among Iraqi young adults towards organs donation and transplantation: A call for action

Background: Organs transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage organ failure. However, the disparity between organs availability and the number of patients in the waiting lists is widening globally, especially in Iraq for many reasons. This study aims to assess the level of attitudes and perceptions among Iraqi young adults towards organs donation and transplantation as the first study to be conducted in Iraq for such purpose.

Methods: This observational study was conducted among 912 Iraqi young adults through a structured questionnaire which was disseminated among social media platforms. Participants consented before filling the questionnaire and their responses were analyzed to test the hypothesis of the study.

Results: Most of the participants were females, Muslims and in their undergraduate level. Overall, 84.2% of the participants were willing to donate their organs after death and (97.9%) of them actually agreed to sign for organs donation. Most of those who were not willing to donate have no idea whether their religion approves it or not. There was no statistically significant difference in willingness to donate between different socioeconomic classes or residency areas.

Conclusions: Most of the participants are convinced with donating their organs after death and are willing to sign for organ donation programs, advocating for initiating an official governmental transplant agency with multiple local committees distributed among health directorates all over the country managing it. The hesitancy to donate organs was attributed mostly to religious and associated with lack of knowledge issues, thus education might be the key to positive attitudes.

Gender and educational attainment influence willingness to donate organs among older Nigerians: a questionnaire survey

Introduction

disparity between the demand for and the supply of organs for transplantation remains a major public health issue of global concern. This study evaluated the knowledge and determinants of willingness to donate organs among outpatient clinic attendees in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Methods

a 43-item semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was designed to assess awareness and willingness of individuals attending Neurology, Psychiatry and Geriatrics Outpatient clinics to donate bodily organs for transplantation. Association between participants' characteristics and willingness towards organ donation was investigated using logistic regression models.

Results

a total of 412 participants were interviewed and mean age was 46.3 (16.1) years. There were 229 (55.6%) females and 92.5% had at least 6 years of formal education. Overall, 330 (80.1%) were aware of donation of at least one organ for transplantation purposes but only 139 (33.7%) were willing to donate organ. In analyses, adjusting for sex, marital status, family setting and educational status, male gender AOR [2.066(1.331-3.2016)] secondary education [AOR 5.57 (1.205-25.729) p= 0.028] and post-secondary education [AOR-6.98 (1.537-31.702) p= 0.012 were independently associated with willingness towards organ donation.

Conclusion

the survey revealed high level of awareness but poor willingness towards organ donation among older Nigerians attending outpatient clinics of a premier tertiary hospital. Male gender and educational attainment were significantly associated with willingness to donate. Educational programs that particularly target women and less educated older Nigerians are needed to promote organ donation in Nigeria.

Effectiveness of Interventional Strategies in Modulating Knowledge and Attitude of Health Care Professionals for Promoting Organ Donation: A Study in Tertiary Care Public Hospital of North India

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of interventional “educational module” on knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation amongst resident doctors and nurses in the Institute of National Importance.

Study Design:

Interventional and prospective.

Methods:

We devised an interactive educational module covering various aspects of organ donation through a series of audiovisual lectures and information booklets. Resident doctors and nurses posted in those areas of the 1948-bedded Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where head injury patients were treated and were subject to intervention using this module. The pre and postinterventional scores of their knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation were compared to find out impact of the intervention.

Results:

A total of 242 nurses and 87 resident doctors participated in this research. Higher knowledge score was observed preintervention amongst doctors as compared to nurses. Significant improvement was seen in total knowledge scores of both groups postintervention. Doctors had better scores for the “concept of organ donation,” while nurses were more familiar with “procedures and protocols.” Both had low knowledge about “clinical criteria for brain death” and “legal issues” preintervention which improved significantly postintervention. The positive impact of intervention was also observed on attitude in both categories. A significant impact of intervention was observed on overall propensity of doctors and nurses to promote organ donation, for pledging their own organs and for counseling of the patient/attendants on this cause.

Conclusion:

Scientifically designed educational modules have a promising role in improving awareness and attitude of health care professionals regarding organ donation and their propensity to be prospective donors, effective counselors, and advocates of organ donation.

Knowledge and Attitudes on Organ Donation From the Perspective of Liver Transplant Patients

PURPOSE

This study was performed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes about organ donation from the perspective of liver transplant patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was conducted at the organ transplantation clinics. The data were collected by the researchers from 129 participants using in-person interviews.

FINDINGS

In this study, 83% of patients received the organ from live donors, 36% received liver transplants in the previous 1 year, more than 70% agreed to donate their organs, and 80% thought awareness should be raised in society about organ donation.

CONCLUSION

It was found that the participants in the sample needed information on the issue, although the sample consisted of individuals who had experienced organ donation. It is important that nurses and nurse managers understand the level of knowledge and the attitudes of organ donation patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Worldwide, organ donation is not at the desired level. This study aims to enhance in nurses and nurse managers the foresight regarding and awareness about behaviors of transplantation patients.

Analysis of Organ Utilization From Deceased Organ Donation in India

OBJECTIVES

This report presents an audit of utilization of various organs from deceased donors in different states of India over a 3-year period METHODS: Data released by the various regions on their official website was analyzed from 2015 to 2017.Regions with less than 25 donations per year were excluded while calculating utilization rates.

RESULTS

Total organ donation in India had increased from 570 to 843 donations from 2015 to 2017 (47.8% increase) with southern states performing exceedingly well compared with northern states. Total organs retrieved during the 3-year period were 6659 with a 54.7% increase in organ retrieval in 2017 compared with 2015 (2592 vs 1675 respectively). The net utilization rate of kidneys was 87.35%. Total liver transplants done during this period were 1894. Net liver utilization rate was 86.81% over 3 years. Total Heart transplants during this period were 641 with net utilization rate of 28.98%. An increase in utilization rates was observed from 2015 to 2017 (19.33%-34.46%). A total of 217 lung transplants were done with net utilization rate of 8.86% with an increase in yearly utilization rate from 6.5% in 2015 to 11.97% in 2017. Total pancreas transplants remained low with 48 transplants over 3 year duration with net utilization rate of 2.25% but an increase in utilization rate was observed. (0.92% in 2015 to 2.1% in 2017).

CONCLUSION

There is a significant regional variability in organ utilization in India. Evaluating and addressing the cause of high variability can further increase the transplant activity.

Barriers towards organ donor registration and consent among people of Indian origin living globally: a systematic review and integrative synthesis-protocol

INTRODUCTION

The need for organs is comparatively higher among people of Indian origin due to the higher prevalence of end-stage organ failure. In spite of the higher need, they have a lower number of organ donors. Studies have been carried out among people of Indian origin living globally to understand the reasons for the low donation rate, but there has been no systematic review that has integrated all of these studies to synthesise the current literature. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the barriers towards organ donor registration and consent among Indians living globally.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be conducted using the following relevant databases namely CINHAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, Global Health and Grey literature. Studies from 1994 that satisfy our inclusion criteria will be included. Two reviewers will conduct the screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the studies; in event of any disagreement between the two reviewers at any stage, the third reviewer will reconcile any disagreements and consensus will be made.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As this study includes only secondary data, ethical approval for secondary data usage has been sought. This study will use Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines to report and the study outcomes will be disseminated through a relevant peer-review publication, related conferences and also to various non-governmental organisations globally which are working with this particular community; following which further research can be developed based on this evidence and also helps in building a culturally competent strategy.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019155274.

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

BACKGROUND

Organ donation is considered to be a noble act. Medical and nursing students will be the major healthcare providers in this field in the future. Hence, their knowledge, attitude, and perception toward organ donation are essential to improve this field in the future.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception on organ donation among undergraduate medical and nursing students. This study brings forth the basic understanding level of the medical and nursing students on the concept of organ donation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the first 4 academic years of medical and nursing students in a tertiary care teaching hospital using convenient sampling. A total of 620 students participated in this study. They were assessed using a pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 19.

RESULTS

The median score on knowledge, attitude, and perception among the medical students was 16 (14-17), 25 (23-28), and 41 (38-45), respectively, and among the nurses, the scores were 14 (12-16), 25 (22-27), and 39 (33-42), respectively. Almost half (46.9%) of the study participants knew the definition for brain death. Twenty-nine percent of the study participants knew about the existence of law toward organ donation; more than half of those participants (52.7%) mentioned few rules and regulation involved in the laws pertaining to organ donation.

CONCLUSION

Media is the major source for information. Only less than half of the study participants were knowledgeable on the definition of brain death and existence of organ donation law. Although they are in favor of organ donation, doubts still exist among few of the participants which could be understood through further research in this field.

Level of knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation: a community-based study from Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge and attitude and to find out the statistics regarding public awareness of organ donation in Karachi. This convenient based, cross-sectional study was conducted from the general population of Karachi, Pakistan from December 2015 to December 2016. The respondents were evaluated through a face to face questionnaire. The questionnaire contained variables regarding knowledge and attitude towards organ donation.

RESULT

420 people were approached; amongst them 25 refused to participate, so a total number of 395 respondents consented in the research. The mean age of about 77.5% of the population was in the 18-27 range. More than half of the respondents happened to be students and female (51.1%) (55%) respectively. Our results indicate that there was inadequate knowledge among the general population (25.8%). There was a positive attitude regarding organ donation (75.2%). Television was a popular source of information (27%). 29.90% respondents knew that "Kidney" can be donated. 43.80% of the respondents were oblivious to the allowance of organ donation in their religion. More than half (57.2%) were in favor of the promotion of organ donation.

Influence of health education on knowledge, attitude, and practices toward organ donation among dental students

OBJECTIVES

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors are essential factors in fostering an environment that positively influences organ donation rates. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the impact of intervention (classroom education) on knowledge, attitude, and practices on organ donation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire-based interventional study was conducted among 112 dental house surgeon students, Hyderabad. A 27-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students as a pretest and collected back after completion. Then, a session on organ donation was delivered in a lecture hall setting instilling the basic facts about organ donation. Posttests using the same questionnaire were filled after the intervention and 2 weeks later.

RESULTS

Responses on knowledge obtained from the subjects showed significant changes in several key areas from baseline to postintervention and at follow-up. More than 50% of study subjects had a positive attitude regarding organ donation. There was a significant increase in the number of subjects who pledged/signed to donate an organ (before - 14.3%, postintervention - 50%, and at follow-up - 60.7%; P < 0.05). Pairwise comparison revealed a significant increase in the mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores at postintervention and at follow-up of 2 weeks in comparison to the baseline scores. Female subjects and subjects following Hindu religion had good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice.

CONCLUSION

The one brief educational intervention had significantly increased perceived knowledge of organ donation and positively influenced attitude and practices to organ donation among dental students.

Devising focused strategies to improve organ donor registrations: A cross-sectional study among professional drivers in coastal South India

BACKGROUND

In India, annually, 500,000 people die due to non-availability of organs. Given the large proportion of brain death amongst road accident victims, any improvement in organ donation practices amongst this cohort could potentially address this deficit. In this study, we identify the potential areas for intervention to improve organ donation amongst professional drivers, a population more likely to suffer from road accidents.

METHODS

300 participants were surveyed using a structured, orally-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding organ donation. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify key variables affecting intent to practice.

RESULTS

Nearly half our participants had unsatisfactory knowledge and attitude scores. Knowledge and attitude was positively correlated, rs (298) = .247, p < .001, with better scores associated with a higher likelihood of intent to practice organ donation [AOR: 2.23 (1.26-3.94), p = .006; AOR: 12.164 (6.85-21.59), p < .001 respectively]. Lack of family support and fear of donated organs going into medical research were the key barriers for the same [AOR: 0.43 (0.19-0.97), p = .04; AOR: 0.27 (0.09-0.85), p = .02 respectively].

CONCLUSION

Targeted health-education, behaviour change communication, and legal interventions, in conjunction, are key to improving organ donor registrations.

Kidney transplantation in Ghana: Is the public ready?

BACKGROUND

The burden of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is reported to be higher among people of African ancestry. The majority do not have access to kidney transplantation. Africans, in general, are less likely to donate a kidney or receive a transplant.

AIMS

This study surveyed public perceptions of kidney transplantation in an inner city and suburban communities in Ghana. It examined people's willingness to either accept or donate a kidney to save a life. In addition, it evaluated factors that influenced their opinion on the issue.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five purposively selected communities in the Greater Accra region in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and standardized instruments were administered to assess participants' socio-demographic characteristics, religiosity and spirituality, and perception of kidney transplantation.

RESULTS

Of the 480 participants, 233 (48.5%) were willing to donate a kidney; 71.6% would only do so after death. Religion, loss of body part, and cultural values influenced participants' willingness to donate a kidney. Uncertainty of health status post-transplantation and uneasiness with the concept of transplantation influenced the participants' willingness to accept a kidney transplant.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that almost half of the participants hold positive views toward kidney transplantation.

Knowledge and attitudes toward brain death and organ donation in Bojnurd

Background

Organ donation in Iran is common. Bojnurd (North Khorasan, Iran) is a multi-ethnic city, and people with different religions and cultures live together and that could be associated with their behavior and attitude towards health-related issues. So far, no study has taken place on brain death and organ donation in the province of North Khorasan.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of citizens of Bojnurd toward brain death and organ donation.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2014, on 380 Bojnurd citizens who were selected through multi-stage sampling. The tool was a researcher-made questionnaire in three parts (demographic information, awareness and attitude surveys), containing 10 questions on awareness and 18 questions on attitude. The questionnaire validity and reliability were confirmed by content validity and Cronbach’s alpha (0.76). The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16, using Chi-square, independent-samples t-test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Significance level was set at p<0.05.

Results

Three hundred and eighty participants with the average age of 29.91±9.32 were studied, of which 55% were female. The average score of awareness and attitude was 11.42 (±2.40) and 39.8 (±6.01) respectively. The awareness of the majority of the people (63%) regarding organ donation was moderate and the attitude toward organ donation in the majority (74.1%) was poor. In people with poor attitudes, awareness was also lower, and this was statistically significant (p=0.047).

Conclusion

the attitude towards organ donation was negative in the majority of the citizens. In order to correct the beliefs, develop positive attitude and increase citizens’ knowledge, public education is essential.