Level of Organ Donation–Related Knowledge and Attitude and Willingness Toward Organ Donation Among a Group of University Students in Western China

Abstract Background This study aims at analyzing the levels of organ donation–related knowledge and attitude and willingness toward organ donation and identifying factors that might influence willingness in organ donation among a selected group of university students in western China. Material and methods This cross-sectional study was performed among 1589 second-year students recruited by stratified cluster sampling from 5 universities in western China. The data were collected using a questionnaire survey. Results In comparison with the general public in China, the participants of our survey are better informed with organ donation–related knowledge and are more positive toward organ donation and death and more willing to donate organs. However, willingness in organ donation (9.81%) and the actual organ donation rate (0.45%) are still relatively low. We find that the Chinese family plays a critical role in organ donation decision making (β = −1.849, odds ratio = 0.157, P P P Conclusion These findings highlight the urgent need of improved education and training in organ donation–related knowledge and the development of positive attitude toward death among the potential donors and their family members as well as the general public to raise the organ donation rate in this country.