Awareness, perception and practice of general population regarding organ donation in Asser Province, KSA

Organ transplantation is the most definitive treatment for end-stage organ disease and organ failures. There is a large gap between demand and availability of organs for transplantation at worldwide, the most common transplanted organs are cornea, kidney, and liver are to human recipients. Sometimes the religion has effective role in organ donation. The majority of the population did not understand the meaning of brain death and this lack of understanding result negatively effect to donate organs.

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of general population regarding organ donation in Aseer region, southern of Saudi Arabia.

A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all population in Aseer region. The study was conducted during the period from December 2019 to March, 2020. Data were collected using structured questionnaire which developed by the researchers. The questionnaire data included person's socio-demographic data. Participants' awareness regarding organ donation was assessed using 8 questions on three domains. The participants practice and attitude regarding organ donation was also assessed within the questionnaire.

A total sample of 513 respondents was included in the survey. The respondents' ages ranged from 18 to 65 years old with mean age of 33.5 ± 10.9 years. Females were 66.1% of the respondents and 55.4% were married. About 77% of the survey respondents were university graduated. Regarding participants awareness, 95.9% of the respondents know about organ donation and 85.4% know about brain death. About 52% of the participants know that it's allowed to do organ donation according to Islamic rules. Totally, good awareness regarding organ donation was estimated among less than half of the survey respondents. About 32% of the respondents completely agree on organ donation and 35.9% need time to know more.

In conclusion, organ donation is greatly required worldwide and in Saudi Arabia to save many lives. Participants' awareness level, attitude and practice were satisfactory regarding organ donation. The barriers recorded were factors other than religious related or fatwa.