Public Awareness of Knowledge, Belief, and Attitude Regarding Organ Donation and Organ Transplantation: A National Survey from the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Organ donation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was restricted until recently to living donation. This survey was conducted to explore the public knowledge, belief, and attitude regarding donation during life and after death.

Methodology: A 31-item survey was distributed among 900 participants (UAE residents) of whom 495 completed the forms and were considered for further analysis.

Results: Among the participants, 293 (59.2%) were women and 202 (40.1%) were men. With 8 items as the highest possible score, the mean score of knowledge was 4.42 (SD ¼ 1.54) and 436 (88%) of the participants knew about a brain-dead condition. However, their awareness on organ donation and transplantation legislation in the UAE was not consistent, and less than 198 (40%) had correct knowledge in this regard. Religious belief regarding organ donation was scored at 80 and the mean of the beliefs score obtained was 56.56 (SD ¼6.39). Together, 369 (74.6%) of the participants had positive religious sentiments regarding the issue. Participants’attitude toward organ donation and transplantation was scored at 14.7 out of 20 possible score (SD ¼2.46) with 396 (80%) acknowledging the fact that organ donation and transplantation prolongs and improves recipient’s quality of life.

Limitations: The small number of respondents (n ¼495) in the survey was a limitation of the study.

Conclusions: The population of the UAE was moderately well informed and motivated about organ donation and transplantation. Although a knowledge gap about the current legislation prevailed, the majority of the participants were knowledgeable, they nurtured positive beliefs, and had compassionate attitude regarding lawful organ transplantation.