Patient Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Associated with Organ Donation

BACKGROUND: This study compared the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with organ donation and transplantation among patients undergoing dialysis versus those visiting family health centers (FHCs). MATERIAL/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment at the Meram Medical Faculty and those visiting FHCs in Meram district for other reasons. RESULTS: The study participants were 128 individuals visiting FHCs and 111 patients undergoing dialysis. Of these, 169 individuals (70.7%) correctly answered the question “What is brain death?” The knowledge level in the FHC group was higher than that in the dialysis group. Less than half of the individuals indicated willingness to donate an organ. Furthermore, subjects in the dialysis group were more likely than those in the FHC group to answered “no” to the question “Would you be willing to donate an organ to someone of a different religion?” CONCLUSIONS: Positive attitude towards organ transplantation and donation does not necessarily reflect positive behavior these 2 groups.