Knowledge, attitude, perception, and factors associated with eye donation and corneal transplantation among the Trinidadian population.

Background
Corneal diseases, if untreated, can result in irreversible blindness. Corneal transplantation is an established treatment that restores vision in affected individuals. Expanding public awareness of eye donation is essential to increase the availability of donor corneas and reduce the burden of corneal blindness. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Trinidadians toward eye donation.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2020 among 398 adults (≥18 years) across eight counties in Trinidad. Data were collected using a predesigned, pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings, and the results were presented as percentages. Cross-tabulations and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the associations between sociodemographic factors and the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of eye donation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results
Of the 398 participants, 57.3% (n = 228) were female and 32.7% (n = 130) were younger than 24 years. Nearly all (99.5%, n = 396) had formal education, with 47.9% (n = 191) holding graduate degrees. Just over half (54.3%, n = 216) were aware that the cornea could be donated. Among these, the internet (15.9%, n = 63) and television (15.3%, n = 61) were the primary information sources. Only 14.6% (n = 58) correctly identified the ideal timeframe (within six hours of death) for eye harvesting. Multivariable regression showed that sex (OR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.18–2.74) and education (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28–0.71) were associated with knowledge, while religion (OR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.03–8.28) influenced perception.

Conclusions
Trinidadians demonstrated moderate knowledge but poor attitudes toward eye donation. Sex, education, and religion were the key predictors of awareness and perception. To improve donor cornea availability, public awareness must be strengthened through culturally sensitive national strategies such as digital campaigns, televised programs, workshops, and educational outreach.