KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ABOUT ORGAN DONATION AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS: A SURVEY

Abstract

Anjana Goyal, Reena Doomra, Deeptisri Vidya Sindhuja, Riya Bhargava

BACKGROUND Organ transplantation (OT) is life-saving for patients with failing organs. Shortage of donor organs can be solved by raising the willingness of the population to donate organs. This study is aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge about organ donation among professional students from Manav Rachna Dental College. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross sectional descriptive survey was administered. Specially designed self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitude towards organ donation (OD) was used to perform a survey on a representative sample of medical students in Manav Rachna Dental College, Faridabad. RESULTS Organ donation is the ultimate act of human kindness. Forced donation and organ theft is very common throughout the world. We found that awareness of organ donation is correlated with education and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Measures should be taken to educate people with relevant information, including the benefits of organ donation and possible risks as well so that people can make informed choices in future. Policy makers should also involve religious scholars for the mobilization of a favourable public opinion towards organ donation. Televisions, newspapers and media can be used as efficient sources of information.

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