Abstract
Background: Organ donation is when a person allows an organ of theirs to be removed, legally, either by consent while the donor is alive or after death with the assent of the next of kin. Donation may be for research, or, more commonly healthy tissues and organs maybe donated to be transplanted into another person, who needs organ transplantation to achieve a clinically healthy status.
Aim: To assess general population awareness and attitude regarding organ donation in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A descriptive population based cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting general population in Aseer region who were aged 18 years or more and have an access to social websites. Data was collected using pre-structured questionnaire by the researchers after intensive literature review and experts' consultations. The questionnaire sections included were, participant's demographic data including age, gender, education, and marital status. Sections II and III of the questionnaires considered knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation.
Results: A total sample of 350 respondents were included in the study with ages ranging from 18 to 60 years old and mean age of 28.5 +/- 9.8 years. Exactly, 93.4% of the sampled population knew about organ donation. About 28% of the screen population, defined organ donation as removal of the tissues of the human body for the purpose of transplantation to another person. About 24% of the general population screened, would like to donate generally while 17.4% refused to donate.
Conclusions & recommendations: In conclusion, the participants showed acceptable level of awareness regarding organ donation especially for the aim of organ donation and its rules and legislations. Also, Participants were mainly of positive attitude towards organ donation for any person regardless of his/her age, religion, mental status, or health status.