The Awareness and Willingness of Taif Community to Donate Organ After Death: A Cross Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Ghaliah Obaid Alnefaie^1,2*, Rahaf Mansi Alalawi², Ghadah Homood Al-swat², Fai Nasser Alsukhayri², Hatun Abdullah Althagafi², Shouq Mohammed Alsalmi², Wejdan Dhafer Alamri², Rawabi Abdullah Althubaiti² and Eman Ali Khalifa^3
1,2Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O.Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
²Medical student, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
³Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O.Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
*Corresponding Author: Ghaliah Obaid Alnefaie, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O.Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.

Published: June 20, 2023

DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.05.135

View Pdf

Abstract  

Background: previous studies revealed a negative attitude toward organ donation after death in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: to assess the Taif community's awareness and willingness to donate organs after death.

Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 566 participants from Taif, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was used to collect data about participants' demographics, knowledge and attitude towards donating organs after death and Saudi organ donation law and policy.

Findings: Only 18.5% of the participants agreed to donat their organs after death, and 28.6% were aware of Saudi organ donation law and policy, 45% strongly agreed that organ donation is a wise decision to save lives, and 51.1% agreed it is a good deed. Only 9.4% and 19.1% strongly agreed organ donation after death can cause body disfigurement and registering as an organ donor requires seeking advice from those around him. Only 4.9% strongly agreed that opportunities to register as an organ donor are unavailable in Saudi Arabia and 18.7% of participants’ parents agreed with organ donation after death. Participants aged 41-50 years, students, and whose parents support organ donation after death had a significantly higher percentage of those who agreed for donation.

Limitations: the self-reporting questionnaire may have a recall bias.

Practical implications: actions should be taken by health-care providers and media to raise awareness about importance of organ donation.

Originality/value: Awareness campaigns are urgently needed to emphasize the importance of donation and to dispel myths.

Keywords: receptive; community; organs; donation; death; Taif