Introduction Organ transplantation is the sole effective treatment for end-stage organ diseases. However, the availability of donor organs remains insufficient. This shortage is driven by several factors, with access to accurate information being the key determinant of an individual’s willingness to donate organs.

Methods A cross-sectional study based on anonymous surveys conducted from January to December 2019, categorizing participants into healthcare professionals and non-healthcare individuals. Data included willingness to donate organs, reasons for refusal, age, education level, and understanding of brain death. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results A total of 408 participants were included: 203 in the healthcare sector and 205 in the non-healthcare sector. Among healthcare professionals, 90% were willing to donate organs compared to 43% in the non-healthcare group (p<0.001). Non-healthcare respondents refused due to the fear of being alive during organ removal (74%), concerns about reduced emergency care (21%), and religious beliefs (5%). Despite these concerns, 88% acknowledged that organ donation saves lives and 95% recognized the gap between organ supply and demand. No significant differences in education levels were found between donors and non-donors, but healthcare professionals had a significantly better understanding of brain death (p<0.001). All respondents indicated that they would accept a donated organ, if needed.

Conclusion Healthcare professionals are more inclined to be organ donors than are those outside the field. Misunderstandings among non-healthcare individuals contributed to higher refusal rates. Tailored awareness campaigns and educational programs could rectify these misconceptions, potentially improving donation rates and mitigating organ shortage crises.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethics committee and IRB of Sanatorio Parque/Sanatorio de Niños de Rosario, Grupo Oroño, gave ethical approval for this work

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes