Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Organ Donation Among Medical Students in Hong Kong - A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: The rate of organ donation in Hong Kong is among the lowest in developed regions. Since medical students will play an important role in counselling patients for organ donation and identifying potential donors in the future, their knowledge, attitudes and action for organ donation are important. Therefore, this study aimed to understand knowledge, attitudes and actions with regard to organ donation among medical students and investigate the factors determining the knowledge and attitudes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, medical students in Hong Kong were invited to complete an online questionnaire that assessed their attitudes, knowledge, action of organ donation, belief and perception on death and organ donation, commitment towards organ donation, perceived confidence and competence on discussing organ donation, exposure to registered organ donors and potential organ recipients, and self-competence in death work. Linear regression analyses and logistic regression were performed to analyse the effect of the variables on knowledge, attitudes and action for organ donation. Results: 377 medical students participated in the study. Almost all medical students (99.5%) held a positive attitude towards organ donation, but only 28.1% have signed up as organ donors. Determinants of knowledge of organ donation included belief in preservation of intact body after death (β = –.135, 95% CI = –.235 - –.036) and perceived confidence and competence of organ donation discussion (β = –.120, 95% CI = –.221 - –.018). Predictors of organ donor registration status included knowledge of organ donation (OR = 1.031, 95% CI = 1.006 - 1.060), perceived convenience of organ donation registration (OR = 3.751, 95% CI = 1.616 - 8.710), commitment to organ donation (OR = 3.810, 95% CI = 2.012 - 7.210), and exposure to organ donation (OR = 4.283, 95% CI = 2.370 - 7.740).Conclusions and Relevance: Knowledge is positively associated with organ donation action. The above determinants of knowledge of organ donation in medical education and health promotion could be emphasized in medical education. Future research may evaluate the effectiveness of different education programmes in improving the knowledge and actions of medical students.