Willingness and Attitude of the Arab World Population Toward Solid-Organ Donation

OBJECTIVES: Awareness regarding organ donation has been steadily growing in the Arab world yet is still far from the current demand. A thorough analysis of population behavior toward organ donation can improve organ transplant education. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the knowledge, attitude, donation desires, and views on organ donation among adults in Arab countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross- sectional study approach was used by assessing 1004 adult survey respondents from 22 Arab countries through the snowball sampling technique via social media platforms and emails. A fact sheet was used to collect demographic information, which was followed by a predesigned questionnaire to assess the attitude and willingness of participants toward solid-organ donation.

RESULTS: Results showed that only 17.0% of respondents had willingness to donate in the future, and only 2.0% respondents were already organ donors or registered as organ donors. Respondents indicated that the most acceptable organs to be donated after death were kidneys (57.8%), followed by liver (45.1%) and heart (42.3%). Regarding the type of surgery for living donation, 48.1% of the respondents had no surgery type preference, whereas 12.9% would only agree to laparoscopic intervention. A significant difference (P < .001) was noted among respondents with transplant experience and without experience regarding organ donation willingness. In terms of paired exchange and list exchange donation, 18.0% indicated that they would refuse to donate, 23.0% would accept, and 19.0% would accept if no alternative was available.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the psychology of the Arab world and factors influencing decisions toward solid-organ donation and transplant. The biggest factor for unwillingness to donate organs was posttransplant health-related risks; almost 50% of respondents were afraid of health complications. A need for awareness and education regarding the importance of organ donation and transplant emerged as common themes in this study.