A survey of public knowledge and attitude towards tissue, cell donation and transplantation in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies focusing on public attitude towards organ donation have been performed at the international level, but very few highlight public attitude towards tissue and cell donation and transplantation. Material and methods: We conducted a survey among a representative sample of the general adult population (N=427). The questionnaire was developed on the basis of previous study and included reuse of some items from the earlier survey to facilitate historical comparison. The analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS, 2011 and focused on descriptive statistics. Results: The vast majority of our respondents (81.0%) agreed with the tissue and cell donation and only every 10th respondent did not accept this. The fewer respondents (68.1%) would agree to have tissues and cells transplanted from other people compared to those who were willing to donate tissues and cells (81.0%). Finally, most of the respondents (85.0%) expressed interest in receiving more information, and were very similar to those in receiving more information on organ donation and transplantation (88.0%) Conclusions: The study revealed the respondents’ positive attitude towards tissue and cell donation and transplantation and demonstrated a remarkable growth in the public positive attitude towards donation. Furthermore, as the vast majority of our respondents wanted to receive more information on these issues, it seems to be a clear opportunity to develop educational and promotional strategies to improve awareness and enhance donation rates in our country.

Keywords

• donation
• transplantation
• tissue
• cell
• public attitude
• public knowledge