Knowledge, Attitude and Factors Influencing Public Willingness Towards Organ Donation

Abstract

Organ transplantation and donation is facing a serious shortage of donors. The aim of this paper is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and factors on influencing public willingness towards organ donation to increase the acceptability of organ transplant. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted through online questionnaire and offline interview. The participants answered a questionnaire regarding the source of their information about organ donation, their knowledge about organ transplantation and willingness to donate. The association between variables was tested using chi-squared test and the principal component method was used to do the factor analysis as appropriate. A total of 802 respondents completed the survey of whom 342 (43%) were willing to donate their organs upon death and 460(57%) were unwilling to donate. Higher educational level, age 30 and below and people who attended organ donation education were more willing to donate their organs. Better understanding of law and regulation about organ donation and good social atmosphere were positively associated with willingness to be an organ donor. The commonest reason cited for unwillingness to donate was opposition from family members. Household registration, age, knowledge of law and regulation are significant factors in willingness to donate organs among respondents. Lower age and higher educational level were positive factors towards organ donation. Support from family members and relatives has a potential for greater positive impact on organ donation