Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Organ Donation Among Patients Attending Primary Healthcare Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Authors

Abdullah M Al Qamshah, Faisal Alrasheed, Mohammed F Alserhani, Yasser Alkharashi, Ahmed Shalan S Alqarni, Nasser A Alqarni, Abdulaziz Braik S AlQarni, Khalid F Almuawi, Mohammed F Almuawi, Abdullah Aleisa

Published in

Cureus. Volume 18. Issue 7. Pages e112652. Epub Jul 14, 2026.

Abstract

Background and objectives Organ donation is a critical component of modern healthcare, yet the gap between the demand for organs and their availability remains substantial. This study evaluates knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward organ donation among patients at primary healthcare centers (PHCs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients at PHCs from April 2025 to April 2026. A structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, previous exposure, and barriers to organ donation. Knowledge scores were classified as "good" (≥60%) or "poor" (<60%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Results A total of 330 participants were included, predominantly female (64.5%) and aged 18-25 years (37.9%). Most participants had prior awareness of organ donation (69.7%), while 26.1% had good overall knowledge. Liver (52.7%) and kidneys (51.2%) were the most recognized transplantable organs. Attitudes were moderately positive, with 52.7% supporting donation, while 41.5% were willing to donate after death. Barriers included fear of premature death (47.0%), bodily disfigurement (25.8%), and family influence (26.4%). Factors independently associated with good knowledge included younger age [≤25 years; odds ratios (OR)=3.25], university education (OR=6.15), student status (OR=2.85), single (OR=3.12), prior family discussions (OR=3.98), prior information exposure (OR=2.15), being a registered donor (OR=4.31), and personal or indirect experience with organ donation (OR=2.22). Conclusion Knowledge is insufficient despite moderately favorable attitudes. Family influence, religious uncertainty, and fear of disfigurement are key barriers. This study recommends targeted education, leveraging trusted providers, and incorporating religious guidance to improve awareness and promote organ donation.

PMID:
42598581
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Aug 2026.

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