Exploring Knowledge and Attitudes on Organ and Tissue Donation among Malaysian Undergraduate Students
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Organ transplantation is the sole treatment option for patients suffering from end-stage organ diseases. The organ donation rate in Malaysia is still far from reaching a satisfying level as many of the citizens are still reluctant to pledge as organ donors. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge and attitude regarding organ and tissue donation among undergraduate university students in Malaysia as well as to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic profiles with the level of knowledge and attitude regarding organ and tissue donation. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 29-item online structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. This study used a non-probability convenience sampling method and a sum of 400 respondents from public and private universities around Malaysia participated in answering the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding organ and tissue donation. The chi-square test was used to identify the association between the sociodemographic profiles with the level of knowledge and attitude regarding organ and tissue donation. Results: The findings revealed a high level of knowledge (47.5%) but a neutral attitude (61%) among respondents regarding organ and tissue donation. Significant associations were identified between respondents' ethnicity, university, program of study, year of study, and family monthly income with knowledge levels. However, no significant associations were observed between sociodemographic factors and attitudes toward donation. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that undergraduate university students in Malaysia have a high knowledge and neutral attitude about organ and tissue donation.
Downloads
Article Details
References
Jawoniyi O, Gormley K, McGleenan E, Noble HR. Organ donation and transplantation: Awareness and roles of healthcare professionals—A systematic literature review. J Clin Nurs. 2018;27(5-6):726-738. doi:10.1111/jocn.14154.
MyHealth Ministry of Health Malaysia. Organ donation. Available from: [http://myhealth.moh.gov.my/en/organ-donation-2/](http://myhealth.moh.gov.my/en/organ-donation-2/). Accessed 24 September 2023.
Wong LP. Information needs, preferred educational messages and channel of delivery, and opinion on strategies to promote organ donation: A multicultural perspective. Singapore Med J. 2010;51(10):790-795.
International Registry in Organ Donation and Transplantation. Deceased donor evolution. Available from: [http://www.irodat.org/?p=database&c=0#data](http://www.irodat.org/?p=database&c=0#data). Accessed 15 November 2023.
Badrolhisam NI, Zakaria Z. Knowledge, religious beliefs and perception towards organ donation from death row prisoners from the perspective of patients and non-patients in Malaysia: A preliminary study. Int J Humanit Soc Sci. 2012;2(24):197-206.
Transplantation Unit, Ministry of Health Malaysia. Did You Know? We Are Capable To Help Others. Available from: [https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/auto%20download%20images/589d7a9b94f34.pdf](https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/auto%20download%20images/589d7a9b94f34.pdf). Accessed 15 November 2023.
Mohamed DE, Hossein YES, Eltomy EM. Students’ knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and transplantation at selected faculties of Minia University. Minia Sci Nurs J. 2022;11(1):32-39. doi:10.21608/msnj.2022.121999.1019.
Tumin M, Noh A, Raja Ariffin RNB, Mohd Satar N, Yong SL, Lim S, et al. Low organ donation rate in Malaysia: A survey. J Health Transl Med. 2014;17(1):1-7.
Riyanti S, Hatta M, Norhafizah S, Balkish MN, Siti ZM, Akmal HA, et al. Organ donation by sociodemographic characteristics in Malaysia. Asian Soc Sci. 2014;10(4):264. doi:10.5539/ass.v10n4p264.
El-Shoubaki H, Bener A. Public knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation: A cross-cultural study. Transplant Proc. 2005;37(5):1993-1997. doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2005.03.014.
Clinic debunks myths about organ donations and transplants. Available from: [http://www.mst.org.my/articles/mayoclinic.html](http://www.mst.org.my/articles/mayoclinic.html). Accessed 4 December 2023.
Minniefield WJ, Muti P. Organ donation survey results of a Buffalo, New York, African-American community. J Natl Med Assoc. 2002;94(11):979-986.
Hyde MK, Wihardjo KR, White KM. Do the myths still exist? Revisiting people's negative beliefs about organ donation upon death. Psychol Health Med. 2012;17(5):530-541. doi:10.1080/13548506.2011.647698.
Janahi FK, Al Rais A, Al Rukhaimi M, Khamis AH, Hickey D. Public awareness of knowledge, belief, and attitude regarding organ donation and organ transplantation: A national survey from the United Arab Emirates. Transplant Proc. 2018;50(10):2932-2938. doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.08.006.
Akbulut S, Demyati K, Toman I, et al. Medical students' knowledge, attitudes and awareness toward organ donation. Transpl Immunol. 2022;73:101634. doi:10.1016/j.trim.2022.101634.
Alzahrani MM, Alghamdi AA, Alghamdi SA, Alotaibi RK. Knowledge and attitude of dentists towards obstructive sleep apnea. Int Dent J. 2022;72(3):315-321. doi:10.1016/j.identj.2021.05.004.
Sözen E, Güven U. The effect of online assessments on students' attitudes towards undergraduate-level geography courses. Int Educ Stud. 2019;12(10):1-8. doi:10.5539/ies.v12n10p1.