Culture on organ and tissue donation in the community of Medical School, Veracruz Region

Abstract Introduction Organ donation is a life-saving activity, yet there is a disparity between the high number of recipients and the minimal number of donors. Objetives To determine the level of organ and tissue donation culture for transplant purposes among faculty members and undergraduate medical interns at a Medical School Methods A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted from January 2023 to 2024, including faculty members and undergraduate medical interns from the Medical School at the University of Veracruz - Veracruz Region. The main study variable was the culture of organ and tissue donation for transplant purposes, quantified through three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and training, assessed using a validated instrument (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.6). The entire described population was included, and they were approached in different areas to invite them to participate in this research. Results 225 subjects (55 faculty members) agreed to participate. 97% of participants expressed support for organ donation. Among those not in favor of donation, 33% feared receiving poor medical care as donors, and 17% viewed donation as a business. Organ donation culture was deemed sufficient in 10.98% and outstanding in 71.76% of participants. The most common level of knowledge was outstanding (52%), 70% of the studied population showed a ‘very positive’ attitude towards organ and tissue donation. Training history was evaluated as an associated factor with knowledge about organ donation (OR/CI95%), identifying an association between lack of training and levels of sufficient knowledge (2.5/1.2-4.9) and outstanding knowledge (0.3/0.1-0.7), as well as with sufficient culture (9.6/1.2-73.0) and outstanding culture (0.1/0.04-0.4) (p < 0.05) Conclusions It is imperative to strengthen training programs for faculty and undergraduate personnel, as quality training enhances knowledge and culture within this essential area of healthcare personnel formation. Key messages • University professors should have accurate information on organ donation and sensitize future physicians on the subject, as this could be a crucial step for future interactions in favor of donation. • It is necessary to eradicate misinformation about organ donation in teachers and students of medical schools, since they are the basis for education and awareness on this issue in the population.