The willingness toward deceased organ donation among university students. Implications for health education in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To shed light on the willingness to donate deceased organs and tissues among university students in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional survey employed self-administered questionnaires to collect data on demographic characteristics, and knowledge-related aspects of students on organ and tissue donation. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to 600 students, of which 487 (81.2%) completed the questionnaire at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May to June 2008. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Most students (70.6%) were willing to donate deceased organs and tissues. None of these students had a donation card, and 66% of them were ready to sign a donor card. The results indicate that those who had information and knowledge on the deceased organ donation concept were more willing to donate organs and tissues. Students reported that lack of information, personal attitudes, and religious beliefs were among the objecting reasons for deceased organ/tissue donation.

CONCLUSION: The majority of students were willing to donate organs, and more dissemination of information can increase the awareness of the public, including students, to the importance of organ donation and transplantation in Saudi Arabia.