Knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation among medical and nonmedical students: A comparative study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Organ transplant is the treatment of choice for end-stage organ failure but there is a shortage of donor organs worldwide. Situation in India is even worse. There is a worldwide shortage of donor organs in comparison to the need for transplantation. The present study was designed with the aim to assess knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation among medical students and students pursuing courses other than medical and compare among both groups. Materials and Methods: The study included 200 medical students and 200 students pursuing courses other than medical. After taking informed consent, the students were given a prevalidated self-designed questionnaire having three sections to assess knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation. Data were collected, compiled, and analyzed. Results: On average, 98.75% of students were aware that organ donation can save life but a significantly higher number of medical students (P < 0.0001) knew brain death and that organ donation can be done during life and after death. However, willingness to donate their own organs or organs of the relative was seen among a greater number of students pursuing other courses (P < 0.001). To save someone’s life was the reason to will for organ donation among 70% of medical students. Conclusion: It was observed that the medical students had better awareness regarding organ donation but students pursuing other courses had a better attitude toward organ donation.