Attitudes toward organ donation among university students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional survey

Introduction: Organ transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of available organs remains a significant challenge worldwide. This study aimed to explore university students’ willingness to donate organs, including their views on brain death, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: The study is cross-sectional survey on the respondents’ knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceived barriers to and facilitators of organ donation. A total of 521 students completed the survey. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with their willingness to donate their organs after death. Results: Most of the respondents (69%) were willing to donate their organs after death, and 79% were willing to donate their organs to a loved one during their lifetime. However, only 42.8% accepted brain death as equivalent to death. The most reported reasons behind the respondents’ willingness to donate organs were the belief that it is something everyone should do (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.68) and a responsibility to help loved ones (aOR: 2.63). Meanwhile, the significant barriers to organ donation included a preference for whole-body burial (aOR: 0.079), religious objections (aOR: 0.195), and family objections (aOR: 0.326). Discussion: University students in the UAE show a positive attitude toward organ donation. However, significant barriers, including family and religious objections, remain to be addressed. Increasing public awareness about brain death and establishing mechanisms for securing family consent in advance are crucial steps for the successful implementation of a deceased organ donation program in the UAE.