Knowledge and willingness to donate kidney for transplantation among general population in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), offering a superior quality of life and extended survival compared to other renal replacement therapies. As the number of ESRD patients grows, so does the demand for organ transplants. The prevalence of ESRD is anticipated to escalate further due to the rising rates of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and obesity. Organ donation, particularly from living donors, remains the main source of transplants in the region, despite the notable underutilization of potential deceased donors' organs. The objective of this research is to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to donate kidneys among the general population, a pivotal step in addressing the organ shortage crisis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia using a previously validated questionnaire. The questionnaire collected demographic data and insights into general attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs about organ donation. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of knowledge and willingness to donate. RESULTS: The study involved 705 participants, predominantly young adults with a high level of education. Awareness of kidney donation was high, and knowledge about donation was broad, especially regarding religious permissibility and awareness of the donor registry. However, only 25% expressed willingness to donate their kidneys, and a 4% were already registered as donors. Furthermore, higher educational level was not associated with higher odds of knowledge or willingness to donate. CONCLUSION: Despite the considerable awareness, actual donor registration rates were low, highlighting the necessity for targeted educational interventions and a deeper understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic barriers that exist.

Awareness and Attitude of Parents and Caregivers Regarding Harmful Traditional Medical Practices Towards Children in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Traditional medicine has potential benefits, but distinguishing safe from risky procedures is crucial for safeguarding children's health. Harmful practices in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, require scrutiny of parental attitudes and awareness. Aim: The study aims to investigate and analyze the awareness, attitudes, and associated factors contributing to Harmful Traditional Medical Practices towards children in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional design, using an online survey to collect data via a structured questionnaire developed from an extensive literature review on harmful traditional child medical practices in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia. Results: The study found that most respondents were aged 41-49 years (42.4%), lived in cities (77%), had at least an undergraduate degree (50.1%), and favored traditional medicine (55.9%). Common traditional medicine choices included "Herbs" (28.4%) and "Belly massage" (27.6%). Age significantly affected treatment preferences, while "Place of Resident" and "Education Level" hinted at potential differences. Personal experiences (37.2%) and family networks (31.4%) were key sources of information. Logistic regression analysis uncovered intricate links between sociodemographic and traditional medicine practices. Respondents' views on "Awareness", "Effectiveness", and "Complications" demonstrated notable statistical significance, influencing parents' and caregivers' perspectives in the study. Conclusion: The study's outcomes underscore the imperative for heightened awareness and education concerning the potential hazards and complications tied to harmful traditional medical practices among parents and caregivers in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia, particularly with regard to their children's well-being. The evident inclination towards traditional medicine, reliance on personal experiences and familial networks for healthcare insights, and reservations regarding contemporary medical approaches underline the significance of addressing cultural beliefs.