Room: Annex Hall 1 (1F)

321.4 Analyzing how personal and cultural beliefs influence attitudes toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia with a focus on awareness levels traditions and the role of family in the decision-making process

Raed A Alghamdi, Saudi Arabia

organ procurement specialist
organ supply chain
Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation

Recommended Reading Websites

https://www.ajrsp.com/en/Archive/issue-57/4.pdf

Abstract

Analyzing how personal and cultural beliefs influence attitudes toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia with a focus on awareness levels traditions and the role of family in the decision-making process

Yaser Kattoah1.

1Nephrology, Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Organ donation in Saudi Arabia is a vital public health issue, shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. While organ transplantation offers lifesaving potential, a noticeable gap persists between demand and supply, partly due to misconceptions, traditional norms, and insufficient awareness. This study was conducted to assess how these personal and cultural beliefs influence public attitudes and behaviors toward organ donation across Saudi society.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented using an online questionnaire during 2023, targeting residents across different regions of Saudi Arabia. The survey instrument, structured in three sections, captured demographic data, general awareness about organ donation, and deeper normative and behavioral beliefs. A total of 1176 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics through Microsoft Excel. Variables such as age, education, and geographical region were considered to assess correlations with organ donation attitudes.

Results: The results revealed that 61.5% of respondents opposed organ donation, and 76.2% had not discussed their donation intentions with their families, often due to fear of rejection. Furthermore, 55.9% had not encountered awareness campaigns, and 54.3% lacked sufficient knowledge about organ donation. Over 72% believed traditional customs may conflict with donation, while 52.3% were skeptical about the stories they had heard. Despite this, a significant majority—58.5%—supported donation out of charity and benevolence, and 69.1% were open to donating a brain-dead relative’s kidney. Encouragingly, 81.7% expressed willingness to educate their families if provided with accurate information.

Conclusion: This study underscores the significant influence of cultural traditions and religious perceptions on organ donation attitudes in Saudi Arabia. A consistent theme was the lack of awareness and formal education about brain death and donation protocols. The findings point to the need for targeted national awareness campaigns, religious leader engagement, and improved communication by medical professionals and transplant coordinators. Culturally sensitive outreach and education, especially among university students and adults aged 31–50, could positively shape public understanding and promote higher participation in organ donation programs.

References:

[1] Organ donation, Challenges, Cultural influences, Personal influences.

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