Abstract
BackgroundTo determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding organ donation in a selected adult population in Pakistan.MethodsConvenience sampling was used to generate a sample of 440; 408 interviews were successfully completed and used for analysis. Data collection was carried out via a face to face interview based on a pre-tested questionnaire in selected public areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.15 and associations were tested using the Pearson's Chi square test. Multiple logistic regression was used to find independent predictors of knowledge status and motivation of organ donation.ResultsKnowledge about organ donation was significantly associated with education (p = 0.000) and socioeconomic status (p = 0.038). 70/198 (35.3%) people expressed a high motivation to donate. Allowance of organ donation in religion was significantly associated with the motivation to donate (p = 0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher level of education and higher socioeconomic status were significant (p < 0.05) independent predictors of knowledge status of organ donation. For motivation, multiple logistic regression revealed that higher socioeconomic status, adequate knowledge score and belief that organ donation is allowed in religion were significant (p < 0.05) independent predictors. Television emerged as the major source of information. Only 3.5% had themselves donated an organ; with only one person being an actual kidney donor.ConclusionBetter knowledge may ultimately translate into the act of donation. Effective measures should be taken to educate people with relevant information with the involvement of media, doctors and religious scholars.
Highlights
To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding organ donation in a selected adult population in Pakistan
400 renal transplants are done every year despite the increasing number of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD); the donors being living
Our study showed a slightly lower prevalence of adequate knowledge (60%) regarding organ donation when compared to 65.5% reported by an earlier study in Pakistan [16]
Summary
Attitudes and practices regarding organ donation in a selected adult population in Pakistan. Organ transplantation saves thousands of lives worldwide. According to WHO, kidney transplants are carried out in 91 countries. Organs for donation are procured from both living donors as well as cadavers. In South-East Asia, and Pakistan, almost all organ donations come from living donors [2]. The only treatment options available for these patients are either dialysis or kidney transplantation [4]. As of 2007, there are 12 transplantation centers in Pakistan with five being in the public sector and seven in the private sector. 400 renal transplants are done every year despite the increasing number of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD); the donors being living. Only seven cadaveric kidneys from abroad have been harvested for transplantation so far and only one from a local cadaver [2]
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