HEART TRANSPLANTATION AND DONATION BETWEEN REJECTION ANDACCEPTANCE IN SAUDI POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Heart transplantation is currently the definitive gold standard surgical approach in the
treatment of refractory heart failure. But still, there is a misunderstanding attitude and awareness
regarding heart or organ donation and transplantation in general. The primary rate-limiting step for heart
transplantation remains the availability of donors. Waiting for a suitable donor heart can extend for
months or even years. This process involves obtaining consent for donation and confirming brain death,
along with matching the right blood type and meeting other criteria. The worldwide shortage of suitable
donor hearts leads to tragic outcomes, with adult waiting list mortality rates at 15% and paediatric rates
ranging from 5% to 32%. In this study, we have measured the knowledge and attitudes level among the
general population of Saudi Arabia about Heart transplantation and donation and found out the
associated factors.
Methodology: This study was conducted among the Saudi population using an online questionnaire
from August 2023 until May 2024. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data and questions
exploring the population’s knowledge and attitude regarding heart donation. The study was made
available to Saudi Arabian citizens who were willing to take part. Most of the study was done online.
For this study, a non-probability, convenience sampling strategy was used. Version 25 of SPSS statistic
software was used to analyze the data that was given. Results: The majority of Saudi community accepts
the concept of transplantation (85%) and are generally willing to donate; however, many still have some
reservation towards heart donation. The study identified significant associations between knowledge
scores and several factors, including age, additionally, occupation and residential area also exhibit
significant associations with knowledge level. Moreover, marital status seems to be linked to knowledge
level, there is also a significant association between residential area and attitude towards transplantation
(p=0.041). Furthermore, while gender, age group, occupation, education level, and marital status do not
show significant associations with attitude towards transplantation. Conclusion: With the growing
burden of heart failure and advanced disease there is an increasing need for heart transplants anddonation. The Saudi community accepts the concept of transplantation (85%) and are generally willing
to donate; however, many still have some reservation towards heart donation. More effort is required to
dispel current misconceptions, increase the awareness, and work with regulators to identify their role
and expand the pool of donors in Saudi Arabia.