Assessing awareness and attitudes of postgraduate residents about organ donation and transplantation protocols: A cross-sectional study in Chennai, South India

AbstractIntroductionOrgan transplantation is a vital solution for end-stage organ failure, yet India faces a critical shortage of donor organs. The need for the transplants is higher than the availability of organs and this gap is widening globally. India's organ donation rate falls well short of both the actual demand and the global average. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to organ transplantation among postgraduate residents at tertiary care centres in Chennai, South India.Materials and MethodA cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 180 postgraduate residents, selected through stratified random sampling. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. It asked about demographics, knowledge of regulatory Acts (THOTA), attitudes towards organ donation, perceived barriers, and suggested actions. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 26.43 ± 2.12 years. Awareness of THOTA was reported by 68% of participants, with 60% receiving training on organ transplantation. Attitudes were varied, with 42.5% supporting mandatory donation and 50% willing to counsel donor families. Significant barriers included legal challenges (22.5%), cultural beliefs (21.2%), and lack of awareness (20%). Participants suggested educational programs (50%), policy changes (57.14%), and public awareness campaigns (25%) as key measures to address these challenges.ConclusionThe study identified critical gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers among postgraduate residents, though they were generally supportive of organ donation. It highlighted the need for targeted training programs, policy reforms, and public awareness initiatives. Addressing these challenges can enhance organ donation advocacy and bridge the gap between organ demand and supply, ultimately improving patient outcomes.