Knowledge and Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Interns and Residents in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Gujarat, India.

Abstract

Background The study aims to assess knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation among medical school interns and postgraduate residents in a tertiary care hospital in Anand, Gujarat, India. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 medical school interns and residents of Shree Krishna Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Anand, Gujarat, India, between March 2021 and March 2022 using a paper questionnaire comprising questions regarding attitudes and beliefs toward organ donation. Results Among the 250 participants in this study, 124 (49.6%) were residents, and 126 (50.4%) were interns, with a mean age of 24.18 ± 2.02 years. Of all participants, 88.8% were willing to donate their organs; the main reason was to help people in need. However, the main reason for the refusal to donate organs was the fear of organs being misused/trafficked. Another finding was that 77.2% of the participants had no issue regarding who receives their organs. Only 25.2% of participants had correct knowledge and were aware of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 of India, and 66% felt that the current curriculum does not provide sufficient learning experience related to organ donation. Conclusions There was less awareness regarding organ donation, despite the willingness to donate organs. Thus, it is essential to increase awareness through curriculum and various workshops to make the process of pledging organs more accessible among those willing to donate. This will play a significant role in addressing the problem and, in turn, help those in need.