Strategies and interventions to promote organ donation and transplantation among university students: a systematic review

Overview

This systematic review examines strategies and interventions implemented across different countries to promote organ donation and transplantation (ODT) among university students. The review addresses persistent information gaps regarding ODT in young populations and identifies current promotional approaches in academic settings. A total of 16 studies met inclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines.

Methods and approach

The systematic review searched Scopus, Clarivate Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Eligible outcomes included willingness to donate, attitudes toward ODT, knowledge acquisition, family communication practices, and perceptions of intervention effectiveness. Study selection and analysis followed PRISMA methodological standards.

Results

Ten intervention types were identified across included studies: educational programs, single lectures, social media campaigns, peer-to-peer initiatives, peer learning, celebrity endorsers, humorous communication, informational materials, and non-monetary merit point systems. Most studies reported increased knowledge (8 of 16), improved willingness to donate (9 of 16), and positive attitude shifts (6 of 16) among university student populations.

Implications

Educational and communicative strategies demonstrate effectiveness in modifying university students' knowledge, attitudes, and willingness toward organ donation and transplantation. The diversity of intervention approaches suggests multiple pathways for ODT promotion in academic contexts. However, limited integration of emerging technologies across the identified studies indicates underexploration of digital and innovative communication platforms for this population. Future research requires more rigorous evaluation designs, longer follow-up periods, and investigation of intervention efficacy across diverse university populations to strengthen ODT promotion strategies.