Level of knowledge and attitude regarding kidney donation in Western region of Saudi Arabia 2022: a community-based study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and attitude toward kidney donation, in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,233 participants. An online questionnaire was used to collect data about participants' demographics, chronic diseases, having a relative with kidney failure, and knowledge and attitude toward kidney donation. Results: Almost 50.9% of participants were aware of difficulties associated with kidney donation, and 93.6% had heard about it. Around 93% of them said that social media is the best way to spread knowledge about kidney donation, but 58.2% of them did not know how common renal failure following kidney donation is for healthy donors. About 66.5% of people were willing to donate a kidney. The main justification for people who declined kidney donation was concern over not receiving the required medical care. Participants who were younger, female, working in the private sector, single, without chronic illnesses, and eager to take part in a lecture on "Kidney Donation" had a high prior awareness rate of kidney donation. A high percentage of participants who had previously heard about donation had a good attitude toward donation and awareness of kidney donation legislation and restrictions. Conclusion: Raising awareness about kidney donation should be done through medical personnel, hospital settings, and a clear message on social and mass media should be regularized.