Awareness, attitude, and willingness of organ donation among adult population in Western Rajasthan: A cross-sectional hospital-based survey

Abstract

Background: Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure all over the world, and the demand for organs has increased as a result. Organ donation involves legal, psychological, and ethical considerations. Many countries around the world have reported that people's attitudes toward organ donation are influenced by various factors such as knowledge, education, and religion. The existing study sought to explore the awareness, attitude, and willingness of organ donation among adult population in Western Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was conducted with 445 adult populations who were visiting the hospital. Self-Structured Awareness Assessment Scale for Organ Donation and Attitude Assessment Scale for Organ Donation were used. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software 22.0 version. Results: 74.61% of participants were aware about organ donation. Statistically (P < 0.001) higher odds for organ donation willingness was found among participants who were aware that organ such as eye (odd ratio [OR]: 10.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.40–24.25, P < 0.001), heart (OR: 4.71.95% CI: 2.68–8.25), P ≤ 0.001), intestine (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.41–3.6, P = 0.001), skin OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.83–4.70) P ≤ 0.001), extremities (Lower and upper) (OR: 2.46,95% CI: 1.53–3.95, P ≤ 0.001) can be donated or transplanted. 40.6% of the participants disagree that it is better to die than to receive an organ from another person. Interestingly, 35.28% of the participants agreed that organ donation is a true donation and a real service to mankind. Conclusions: This study not only echoes low awareness of organ donation among the adult population in Western Rajasthan, India but also reflects low and neutral level of positive attitude and willingness for organ donation.