Knowledge and awareness of brain death among Saudi population

OBJECTIVES: Objectives: To examine the knowledge and awareness of brain death among the Saudi population and to identify what is needed to improve awareness in this community. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from July-December 2018. Data was collected from a sample of the general population via a questionnaire, which obtained sociodemographic data and included questions about assessments and guidelines for brain death. We conducted descriptive statistics, as well chi-square tests to compare between groups, with statistical significance considered at p≤0.05. RESULTS: We recruited 1244 participants with a mean age of 27.17±9.84 (female: n=992; 79.7%, male: n=252; 20.3%). Of these, 1208 (97.1%) were Saudi, 444 (35.7%) were married and 800 (64.3%) were single. The majority had a university degree (n=837; 67.3%), 676 (54.3%) were currently students, approximately a third of whom were from health specialties (n=393; 31.6%), and 192 (15.4%) were unemployed. A mean score of knowledge of 5.53±2.61 was observed, equivalent to 42%. There was a significant difference in total knowledge score depending on marital status, region, and educational level and specialization. In contrast, there was no significant difference in knowledge depending on gender, age, nationality, or place of work. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Saudi Arabians have little to moderate knowledge about brain death. Education and work-based awareness programs about brain death are needed, particularly regarding prevention and causes.