Attitude and awareness regarding organ donation among medical students and patients in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the awareness, attitudes, and willingness regarding organ donation among medical students and hospital patients in Lahore, Pakistan, and to identify key socio-demographic factors influencing these perspectives. Data were collected from 200 participants, selected via analytical sampling, using a structured interview protocol (proforma). The findings indicate that 65.5% of the local sample were aware of organ donation, versus a global benchmark of 72.8%. Willingness to donate was higher among medical students (25%) than patients (15%). Knowledge of organ donation was significantly associated with educational attainment and socioeconomic status. Willingness to donate was significantly linked to gender and the extent of prior organ donation education. While a baseline awareness of organ donation exists in Lahore, there is a significant gap in willingness to donate, particularly among patients. Educational interventions, tailored to address socio-economic and gender-specific factors, are crucial to improving organ donation rates.