Navigating Misconceptions and Building Understanding: A Deep Dive Into Medical Field Knowledge Gaps Concerning Organ...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Organ donation is vital but faces barriers like misinformation and cultural factors.
• Addressing these gaps is crucial for Saudi Arabia's organ donation rates.
• Aspiring medical professionals' understanding significantly impacts public perception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Saudi medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding organ donation.
• To identify factors influencing their opinions on organ donation.
• To inform targeted educational strategies.

Main Methods:

• An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2024 across five Saudi regions.
• Data collected via a validated, self-administered online questionnaire distributed through social media.
• Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• 473 medical students participated; 59.4% were female, 73.6% Saudi nationals.
• 56.7% demonstrated good knowledge, but misconceptions about brain death and donor eligibility persist.
• Men were more likely to support organ donation post-death (OR = 2.26, p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

• Saudi medical students possess general awareness but significant knowledge gaps exist regarding legal, procedural, and clinical aspects of organ donation.
• Focused educational interventions within medical curricula are recommended.
• Improving future doctors' understanding can enhance organ donation promotion and public acceptance.