Abstract: TH-PO887
Beliefs and Intention to Organ Donation
Session Information
- Transplantation: Donation and Access
November 02, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Author
- Alobaidi, Sami A., University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Background
Efforts to increase organ donation globally have not been successful, as seen in the low donor rates in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, despite advanced healthcare systems and supportive government policies. Multiple factors, including psychosocial, cultural, religious, and structural elements, influence organ donation rates, some of which are unique to Saudi Arabia. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is used to study how attitudes, beliefs, and norms affect organ donation intention and practice. This study explores normative, behavioral, and control beliefs among Saudi Arabian residents.
Methods
This was an online survey conducted from June to December 2021 using a Google form questionnaire among residents of Saudi Arabia. The survey covered demographic factors and explored normative, behavioral, and control beliefs related to organ donation.
Results
This study received 1245 valid responses. Among the study participants, only 19.6% were willing to register as an organ/tissue donor. The intention for organ donation showed a statistically significant positive association with beliefs that organ donation is a good thing (123.51, df: 4, p<0.001), could save somebody's life (81.38, df: 4, p<0.001), could have a positive impact on life after death (114, df: 4, p<0.001), and that the provision of better social support to the family of the deceased can increase organ donation (68.43, df: 4, p<0.001). Knowledge about family objections (190.76, df: 4, p<0.001), transplantation process (179.35, df: 4, p<0.001), religion's view (120.345, df: 4, p<0.001), and registration facilities (241.64, df: 4, p<0.001) increased willingness to donate organs. Worry about receiving less care (OR=4.25, 95% CI 1.57-11.51), belief in better social support increasing donation (OR=10.49, 95% CI 1.56-70.43), and concern for family emotions during donation (OR=4.37, CI 1.57-12.23) strongly predict intention to donate organs.
Conclusion
The study finds a positive correlation between normative/behavioral beliefs and definite intention for organ donation in the Saudi population. Control beliefs show a negative correlation. Promoting awareness about the organ donation process, including religious permissibility, is needed to increase donation rates.