LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE REGARDING EYE DONATION AMONGST NURSING AND PARAMEDICAL STAFF WORKING IN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Mary Jenifa Tigga1, Prakash C. Agarwal2, Saroj Gupta3, Harpal Singh4, Nida Khan5, Sagarika Laad6

BACKGROUND
Corneal diseases constitute significant cause of visual impairment and blindness in the developing countries, it can be prevented through corneal transplantation. There is a large gap between demand and supply of corneal tissue due to lack of awareness about eye donation. Nurses and paramedical staff are potential source that is underutilised as they are in constant touch with the patients and their relatives and can be inspired to pledge their cornea for eye donation. Aim of the study is to assess the level of awareness among the nursing and paramedical staff regarding eye donation.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study was carried out to get the information from nursing and paramedical staff.
RESULTS
Total 66.16% nursing and 33.83% paramedical staff participated. Among the participants about 60% nurses and 68% paramedics did not know about any existing eye bank in Bhopal. Only 69% of nurses and 13.43% paramedical staff knew that eyes can be removed within 6 hours of death for effective use, 59.54% nurses knew that cornea is used for grafting, but among paramedical staff only 13.43% showed any awareness about the subject. Only 24.42% nurses and 13.43% paramedical staff had good knowledge about eye donation. Total 65% were not willing to donate their own eyes.
CONCLUSION
Result of this study indicates that there is lack of awareness and poor attitude related to eye donation amongst nurses and paramedical staff. This also indicates a high level of ignorance about eye donation in society in general.

image