Knowledge and Beliefs about Organ Donation among Under-Graduate Medical Students at a Teaching Institute of New Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: Organ shortage is a global issue. As future doctors, role of medical students becomes important in promoting organ donation. Objectives: 1. To study the knowledge of medical students regarding organ donation 2. To study the beliefs of medical students regarding various aspects of organ donation 3.To study their perceptions about the need to have a training on this topic. Method: The study design was cross sectional involving undergraduate medical students from a teaching institute of Delhi. Sample size of 296 was calculated and 60 students were randomly recruited from each year by using random number tables. Data collection was done by using a pre designed pre tested semi structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20 software. Results: A large proportion of 95.3% (286) had heard of ‘organ donation’ but correct knowledge regarding ideal age for donation and brain dead people for donation was very poor. It was significantly poorer in males and those studying in earlier years of graduation (p<0.05). A very small proportion (14.7%) had actually pledged for donation. A large proportion of students were in favour of providing health insurance and financial compensation for live organ donors. Only 27% perceived to have adequate knowledge and 58% felt confident in counselling potential donors for organ donation. Females and senior students were significantly better in this aspect. (p< 0.05). Majority of them (90.3%) felt the need for training. Conclusion: Knowledge and some of the beliefs of medical students regarding organ donation were not found to be appropriate and training about it was desired by them.