Knowledge, Attitude, and Awareness of Organ Donation among Residents of Urban Slums in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Background: The only effective treatment for patients with life-threatening conditions characterized by organ failure is an organ transplant. A substantial discrepancy exists between the demand for organ recipients and the supply of organ donors globally. There are more individuals in need of organ donations than donors who are currently available to donate. Objective: This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding organ donation of urban slum dwellers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: With 190 participants, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Chennai's urban slum. The sample was chosen using simple random sampling. A pretested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate them. The Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version was used to analyze the data. Results: Nearly, 65 of the participants in our study are male, 35 are female, and 45 are between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Approximately, 60 of the participants in our study possessed adequate knowledge. A statistically significant correlation (P ≤ 0.05) was observed between gender and the levels of sufficient knowledge and willingness. Approximately, 64 of the population demonstrates a willingness to contribute organs for donation. There was a significant statistical correlation (P ≤ 0.05) found between the willingness to donate organs and gender. Roughly, 56 of the participants said they had learned about organ donation mainly through radio or television. Conclusion: There is adequate knowledge in the community, but the social norms and stigma remain constant among people. Regular campaigns are necessary to help people make positive changes to their attitudes, beliefs, and social behaviors. Keywords: Awareness, knowledge, organ donation, transplantation