Concerns Regarding Organ Donation among Adult Patients with Different Health Problems in Egypt

Abstract

Organ donation is the charitable act or gift of an organ to help someone who needs a transplant. Some people have religious or cultural objections to donate organs. The study aimed to describe basic knowledge and attitude (concerns) regarding organ donation among adult patients with different medical surgical health problems in Cairo-Egypt. Sample: A Convenient sample of 1000 adult patients with different health problems from different urban and rural areas was recruited for this study. Design: A descriptive comparative research design was utilized to fulfill the aim of the study and answer the stated research questions. Setting: The study was conducted at ten medical surgical wards at one educational hospital, affiliated to Cairo University. Tools: Two tools were utilized to collect data pertinent to the study which are: Personal Structured Questionnaire, and Structured Questionnaire about Basic Knowledge, and Attitudes regarding Organ Donation. Results: The study findings revealed that both urban and rural inhabitants’ patients were nearly equal regarding their knowledge and attitude toward organ donation. Current study findings showed no statistical significant difference in familiarity about the term of organ donation among study sample. Regarding attitude toward organ donation, no statistical significant differences were found among study sample in their willingness about organ donation regardless the physical condition as well as religion. Conclusion: The study concluded that being an urban or rural inhabitant didn’t affect the willingness to donate an organ but it significantly affected the level of knowledge regarding organ donation.  Recommendations: Replication of the study regarding organ donation on larger probability sample as the ensuing improved understanding of this process can be used to inform and develop clinical practice and future research in this area. 

Keywords: Concerns, knowledge, attitude, organ donation, health problems.