Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Corneal Donation Among Patients and Families in a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia: Implications for Implementing the Hospital Corneal Retrieval Program

Purpose: Corneal transplantation is the definitive treatment for corneal blindness; however, Indonesia faces a critical shortage of donor tissue. The Hospital Corneal Retrieval Program (HCRP) has been proposed as a strategic initiative to increase corneal donations through hospital-based systems. This study aims to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes on corneal donation practices among patients and their families at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM), in support of establishing the HCRP. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of RSCM. Participants, including patients and accompanying family members, completed a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire assessing sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, and donation-related practices. Associations were analyzed using univariate and multivariate models. Results: Significant sociodemographic correlates of donation practice included respondent type, gender, religion, ethnicity, education, and occupation (all P < 0.05). Both knowledge and attitudes were strongly associated with corneal donation practice. In multivariate analysis, gender, respondent type, religion, knowledge, and attitudes emerged as independent predictors, with knowledge exerting the strongest effect (odds ratio = 7.305). Conclusions: Knowledge and attitudes are key determinants of corneal donation practice, with knowledge emerging as the most powerful predictor. These findings highlight the importance of targeted educational interventions to enhance awareness and foster positive attitudes, thereby strengthening participation in corneal donation and supporting the successful implementation of the HCRP at RSCM.