Knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation: a community-based study comparing rural and urban populations

The study was set to determine whether knowledge and attitudes toward organ dona­tion differ according to geographical location. Self-administered questionnaires were employed to collect data such as demographic characteristics, basic knowledge, attitudes and source of information about organ donation from subjects in rural and urban areas. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to 1,000 individuals in both areas during 2008. The data were analyzed in a descriptive fashion. Despite similarities in knowledge and attitudes of respondents in both areas, rural res­pondents were less likely to have information about organ donation, to report willingness to donate organs, and to have knowledge about brain death or the organ donation card than their counter­parts in urban areas. The study identified that the principle respondents source of information about organ donation was the television. More than 90% of respondents in rural and urban areas reported that the contribution of health care providers in providing them with knowledge about organ dona­tion and transplantation was none or little. Respondents identified several reasons, which may influence their decisions to donate organs. In conclusion, the deficit in knowledge and attitudes of rural respondents about organ donation may be justified by the lack of information about this signi­ficant issue. Accordingly, health facilities, local mass media and educational institutions should provide intensive educational programs to encourage the public donate organs.