Knowledge about Organ Donation in Young Adults from Ibarra, Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19103395Keywords:
organ donation, health education, social attitudes, prosocial behavior, organ transplantationAbstract
This study analyzes the knowledge, perceived importance, and attitudes toward organ donation among young adults in Ibarra, Ecuador. The objective was to evaluate the level of knowledge and understanding regarding the organ donation process, utilizing a questionnaire adapted from the Barriers in Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Organ Donation among Urban Jordanian Population instrument. This tool was validated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using tetrachoric and polychoric correlation matrices. Internal consistency was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. While the original instrument is structured into dimensions of knowledge, perceived importance, and attitudes, this study reorganized the knowledge dimension into two distinct factors: procedures and registration, and knowledge of legislation and personal experiences. Conversely, the dimensions of perceived importance and attitudes maintained a unidimensional structure, partially ratifying the original model. The sample comprised 447 participants aged 18 to 35. The results evidenced moderate levels of knowledge and ambivalent attitudes; although 82.3% were aware of the possibility of organ donation in Ecuador, only 40.9% were registered donors. Women, participants with prior blood donation experience, and urban residents exhibited higher knowledge levels and more favorable attitudes. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were identified based on marital status and socioeconomic level. These findings reveal the necessity of strengthening civic and health education in young populations, incorporating normative and attitudinal approaches that foster informed decision-making regarding organ donation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Cristina Nataly Cadena-Palacios, Cinthya Katherinne Román-Huera, Viviana Alejandra Díaz-Rodríguez
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