Objective: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes regarding organ donation and the associated factors among individuals attending the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 533 participants. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires.
The questionnaire included nine sociodemographic items and nineteen multiple-choice questions plus one open-ended question on organ donation attitudes. Associations between organ donation attitudes and related variables were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, Linear-by-Linear Association, and Fisher’s Exact Test where appropriate.Results: A total of 76.2% of participants considered organ donation religiously appropriate, and this group showed significantly higher donation intention (p < 0.001).
Donation willingness was higher among urban residents than among rural participants (p = 0.005). Significant associations were found between donation-related attitudes and trust in donors, perceived religious appropriateness, and information-related factors. Participants reporting chronic health problems differed significantly across age groups.
Moreover, 77.1% emphasized the importance of receiving information in their native language, indicating that language barriers may influence organ donation awareness.Conclusion: Attitudes toward organ donation are shaped mainly by religious perceptions, information sources, place of residence, and language-related needs.Inadequate public information, language barriers, and limited access to reliable sources remain key obstacles to improving donation rates.