Awareness and attitudes towards organ donation among Egyptian physicians: A single-centre study from a tertiary academic hospital.

BACKGROUND

In Egypt, living donor liver transplantation is currently the only option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Although efforts to establish a national deceased organ transplantation programme are currently ongoing, implementation of the organ transplantation law faces challenges in terms of executive regulations and cultural barriers. Continuous medical education is must for promoting organ donation successfully.

AIM: To evaluate awareness of and attitudes towards organ donation programmes among Egyptian physicians.

METHODS

This online cross-sectional survey was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals for more than 1 month (August 2024). A questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards organ donation was distributed through an online platform.

RESULTS

A total of 391 physicians participated (42.9% MD holders, 35.9% master's degree holders, and 21.2% residents). Most participants (79.6%) represented medical specialties. Satisfactory general knowledge of organ transplantation was reported by only 20% of the participants, whereas 50% were aware of the Egyptian organ transplantation law. With respect to attitudes, 42% accepted being a living donor, and 38% would donate to a relative. With respect to deceased donations, 40% agreed to be donors, whereas 28% remained undecided.

CONCLUSION

Despite limited specific knowledge of organ donation and transplantation laws, Egyptian physicians demonstrate a generally positive attitude towards becoming organ donors. Continuous medical education is essential to promote organ donation successfully.