Title: Knowledge and Attitude towards Organ Donation among Medical Students of a Government Medical College in Northern Kerala
Authors: Dr Akhila Jose, Mrs. Mayamol T R, Dr Jayasree A K
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i3.51
Abstract
Background: With newer technologies in modern medical practice, organ harvesting and organ transplantation have given many patients with organ failure a renewed lease of life. But the demand for organs for transplantation continues to vastly surpass the inadequate supply capacity all over the world. In India, organ donation from brain death is mere 0.16% per million populations as compared to 32 in Spain, 22 in US and 14 in UK. Health care professionals are the key link in organ donation process in motivating, educating and allaying the fear of public about this. Hence it is important to emphasize the knowledge and attitude of the medical students who are the future hopes of improving the poor scenario in our society.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among MBBS students (first, second and third year) of Government Medical College, Kannur after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and data was collected by pre tested self- administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in September, 2017.
Sample size of 100 were selected by convenient sampling and those students who were present and gave consent were included in the study.
Results: Out of 100 participants 75 were females and 25 males. 98% of them were aware of organ donation and 92% about organ donation after brain death also. Regarding the various organs which can be transplanted 53% had very good knowledge .71% are aware of the most commonly donated organ 73% are correct in their choice about the ideal candidate for organ donation. 86% are in favour of including education about organ donation as part of medical curriculum. The important observation is 81% of them expressed willingness to organ donation.
Conclusion: Most of the medical students had good knowledge regarding organ donation and are willing to donate. But only half of them have correct knowledge regarding which all organs can be donated.
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