Yaser Kattoah – Professional Biography
Yaser Kattoah currently serves as the Administrative Kidney Transplant Coordinator in the Department of Nephrology at the Armed Forces Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Prior to this role, he spent over 12 years as an Administrative Organ Transplant Coordinator at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Jeddah.
He began his career in the healthcare sector at the Saudi German Hospital in Jeddah, where he served in an administrative role for seven years, gaining significant experience in hospital operations and patient services.
Yaser earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with honors from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in 2012. He also received a Diploma in Hospital Management and Healthcare in 1997 from the College of Administration at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce.
In 2007, he was awarded the Transplant Procurement Management Diploma from the Institute for Lifelong Learning – University of Barcelona, Spain, enhancing his expertise in organ transplant coordination.
Yaser has authored more than four scientific research papers addressing the challenges of organ donation and transplantation in Saudi Arabia, offering national-level solutions that have gained widespread recognition. His impactful contributions have earned him memberships in prestigious international organizations, including the Transplantation Society (TTS) and the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP).
In recognition of his accomplishments, Yaser was appointed as a member of the Saudi National Committee for Organ Transplant Coordinators. In 2007, he received a Travel Grant Award from ISODP for his participation in the project “Improving Consent via Patient Support Groups”, which he presented in Philadelphia, USA.
In addition to his professional and academic achievements, Yaser is actively involved in volunteer work through the “X” platform (formerly Twitter), where he provides guidance and emotional support to patients with organ failure. His efforts in raising awareness, connecting patients with care, and offering compassionate advice have earned him appreciation and praise from patients, families, and respected national figures, solidifying his position as a trusted and inspiring advocate for organ donation.
Moreover, Yaser has participated in over 16 international conferences on organ donation and transplantation, serving as an experienced speaker and expert panelist. He is among the few transplant coordinators in the Middle East with such a distinguished record of global engagement and scientific contribution. His presence at these events underscores his leadership and deep commitment to advancing ethical practices and public awareness in the field of organ transplantation.
Yaser continues to work on several new research projects aimed at addressing ongoing challenges in the field of organ donation and transplantation within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This comes from his strong belief in the Vision 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He is confident that, with God's help and the unwavering support of the government, this vision will be achieved—because the government firmly believes that citizens are the foundation of national development, and that investing in people is the key to building a thriving economy, a vibrant society, and an ambitious nation.
Analyzing how personal and cultural beliefs influence attitudes toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia with a focus on awareness levels traditions and the role of family in the decision-making process
Yaser Kattoah1.
1Nephrology, Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
Organ donation in Saudi Arabia is a vital public health issue, shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. While organ transplantation offers lifesaving potential, a noticeable gap persists between demand and supply, partly due to misconceptions, traditional norms, and insufficient awareness. This study was conducted to assess how these personal and cultural beliefs influence public attitudes and behaviors toward organ donation across Saudi society.
A cross-sectional study was implemented using an online questionnaire during 2023, targeting residents across different regions of Saudi Arabia. The survey instrument, structured in three sections, captured demographic data, general awareness about organ donation, and deeper normative and behavioral beliefs. A total of 1176 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics through Microsoft Excel. Variables such as age, education, and geographical region were considered to assess correlations with organ donation attitudes.
The results revealed that 61.5% of respondents opposed organ donation, and 76.2% had not discussed their donation intentions with their families, often due to fear of rejection. Furthermore, 55.9% had not encountered awareness campaigns, and 54.3% lacked sufficient knowledge about organ donation. Over 72% believed traditional customs may conflict with donation, while 52.3% were skeptical about the stories they had heard. Despite this, a significant majority—58.5%—supported donation out of charity and benevolence, and 69.1% were open to donating a brain-dead relative’s kidney. Encouragingly, 81.7% expressed willingness to educate their families if provided with accurate information.
In conclusion, this study underscores the significant influence of cultural traditions and religious perceptions on organ donation attitudes in Saudi Arabia. A consistent theme was the lack of awareness and formal education about brain death and donation protocols. The findings point to the need for targeted national awareness campaigns, religious leader engagement, and improved communication by medical professionals and transplant coordinators. Culturally sensitive outreach and education, especially among university students and adults aged 31–50, could positively shape public understanding and promote higher participation in organ donation programs.
[1] Organ donation, Challenges, Cultural influences, Personal influences.