Abstract

Background. As of 2026, only 5,2% of Estonian adults have filled out the electronic declaration of will regarding organ donation, which means it takes time to determine the lifetime will of a potential donor.
Aims. The aim of the research was to map the attitudes towards organ donation and factors affecting it of people on the verge of adulthood. The secondary goal was to raise awareness of organ donation by drawing attention to the topic.
Methods. A web-based survey was conducted among students from three gymnasiums in Tartu: Hugo Treffner Gymnasium, Miina Härma Gymnasium and Jaan Poska Gymnasium from 30.11.2023 to 19.03.2024. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously used similar study of adults in Estonia.
Results. Out of 1439 students enrolled in the participating schools, 692 took part in the survey (response rate 48%). Thirteen percent rated their knowledge of organ donation and transplantation as good or very good, 46% as limited and 39% as moderate. Most respondents (91%) knew that a kidney can be transplanted.
Eighty-three percent were willing to receive a donor organ from a deceased donor and 74% from a living donor, while 68% would agree to donate their organs after death. Several misconceptions related to organ donation were observed.
Twenty-one percent of adult respondents had completed the declaration of will and consented of being a potential organ donor.
Conclusions. The study indicates that gymnasium students’ knowledge about organ donation and transplantation is limited, which influences their attitudes, still mostly favourable. While there were no differences to many questions between adult and underage students, adult respondents were more critical about their knowledge and showed greater interest in the topic.