Abstract:
BACKGROUND: In developing countries, the leading cause of childhood blindness is corneal
scarring. Although the service of corneal transplantation depends on several factors, availability of
potential donors is of paramount importance. Attitude of eligible donors is the main factor that affects
corneal supply. However, limited data exist on eye donation. Hence, this study intended to assess
the knowledge and attitude toward eye donation and its associated factors.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A community‑based, cross‑sectional study was conducted on 760
adults aged ≥18 years selected using multistage systematic random sampling in Gondar town,
Northwest Ethiopia. A face‑to‑face structured questionnaire interview in home‑to‑home visit was
applied to collect the data. Descriptive and analytical tests were performed. A binary logistic regression
was fitted. Those variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: This study comprised 760 adults with a median age of 30 years. The proportion of
overall level of good knowledge and favorable attitude toward eye donation was 8.4% and 59.9%,
respectively. It has been also recognized that attitude was positively associated with educational
level of high school (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–4.14) and
college/university (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.53–4.89) and awareness (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.05–2.03).
CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall level of knowledge about eye donation was poor, the proportion
of favorable attitude toward eye donation was fair. Since it was associated with educational level
and awareness, it is strategic to follow multidisciplinary approaches to facilitate multi‑stakeholder
partnerships and to motivate the people to donate their eyes.
