Brain Death and the Extent of Acceptance of Donating Organs for the Brain-dead in the Arab Gulf Countries

Abstract

The research aimed to examines awareness of brain death definition, diagnosis criteria, and organ donation acceptance in citizens and residents of the Gulf countries. It explores acceptance levels, personal, and cultural differences affecting donation decisions. The study used the online questionnaire by applying it to the six Arab Gulf countries in addition to Iraq during 2024. A 1176 responses were obtained as a random sample of the study population, and after analyzing the data, the research reached several results, the most important is that: the willingness to donate organs for brain-dead individuals is directly proportional with a lack of understanding brain death concepts, medical protocols, legal implications, and religious perspectives. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination with the brain-dead individual's family regarding the donation process, decision-making, and who is responsible for that, and the fear that the donor’s family will reject the idea. The research recommends spreading awareness about brain death, and organ donation benefits, the necessity of having a responsible person, a family member, during the period of brain death, who will be the link between the medical staff and the family of the deceased to organize and encourage the donation, and the necessity of adopting methodologies for decision-making and considering family mental health.