Knowledge and beliefs on corneal donation in Singapore adults

Aim: To assess the knowledge and willingness of Singapore adults towards corneal donation. Methods: The study population consists of a cluster random sample of the population living in Bedok North ( an area in the eastern part of Singapore). The study population comprised residents aged 21 - 65 years living in 675 randomly sampled housing units. The participation rate was 65.9% (544/825). All participants were interviewed face to face with a questionnaire formulated according to the modified Horton and Horton model. Knowledge, values, attitudes, and spiritual beliefs of participants were assessed to evaluate their willingness to donate their corneas. Results: 67.0% of participants were willing to donate their corneas. Ethnicity ( Chinese) and religion ( Christians, Hindus, or those with no religion) were associated with increased willingness to donate corneas. Greater knowledge and increased altruistic values were also associated with increased willingness to donate corneas. Conclusion: A proportion of participants were willing to donate their corneas. Awareness of corneal donation is high but specific knowledge should be further increased among adults.