A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge and Attitude towards Organ Donation among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: The organ donation in India was very low when compared to other countries. As the medical students were future health care professionals who were the first contact of potential donors family, the knowledge and attitude of medical students towards organ donation is of utmost important for the success of the organ donation program in a country. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students regarding organ donation at Government Medical College, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among third year medical under graduate students of a Government Medical College between January to March 2023. Data was collected by structured, self-administered questionnaire from 141 third year MBBS students who were selected by convenient sampling. A structured, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was used, which includes details on socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice towards organ donation. Results: The findings showed that a majority (90%) of the students had satisfactory knowledge regarding organ donation, 80% of the medical students expressed their willingness to donate their organs. Which implies there was a gap between knowledge and attitude. Conclusion: The study indicates that there is a need to introduce this topic into the curriculum, and by conducting frequent Continuing Medical Education (CME), they can become future donors and they motivate their patients, which can lead to an increase in organ donation rate.