Canadians' attitudes toward corneal donation: informational-motivational videos increase willingness toward corneal donation

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge of corneal transplantation, willingness toward corneal donation, and the efficacy of a short informational and motivational video in increasing the willingness toward corneal donation among Canadian adults. MethodsCross-sectional interventional study. A survey targeted Canadian adults, assessing their knowledge and attitude toward corneal donation and the efficacy of a 1-minute-long informative and motivational video on increasing willingness toward corneal donation. ResultsThe survey was accessed by 1361 individuals and 1013 completed the questionnaire (74% completion rate). The sample consisted of 36% males and 64% females, with an average age of 37.0 ± 15.3 years. The majority (58%) thought to lack basic knowledge about corneal donation. Similarly, objective knowledge of corneal donation was relatively low, with an average score of 7.8 ± 4.5 (out of 20). In our sample, 44% had not opted-in for organ donation, among whom willingness to donate one's own cornea increased from 59% pre-video to 79% post-video (relative increase of 34%; p < 0.001). Lack of awareness about the benefits of corneal donation was the most commonly cited reason for unwillingness to donate. ConclusionsThe results demonstrated a general lack of awareness of corneal donation among the Canadian population and highlighted the efficacy of a short informative and motivational video in increasing willingness to donate corneal tissue. With lack of awareness about the benefits of corneal donation being among the primary reasons for the unwillingness to donate, simple but efficacious interventions via informative and motivational videos can increase tissue donors and help reduce corneal tissue shortage.