Determination of the Relationship Between Organ Donation Knowledge Levels and Attitudes Towards Organ Donation Among Health Sciences Faculty Students

Abstract

Objective: The aim is to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge about organ donation and the attitudes towards organ donation among students of health sciences faculty. Methods: This study is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. The sample consisted of 436 students enrolled in health sciences faculty. Data collection included a form to collect students' personal information, the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale, and the Attitudes Toward Organ Donation Scale, administered through face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26 statistical software. Results: The mean total score of students on the Organ Donation Knowledge Scale was determined to be 12.21±4.31 (above average), while the mean total score on the Organ Donation Attitude Scale was 53.39±12.18 (average). It was found that among those who received education on organ transplantation, those who allowed a family member to donate organs, those whose religious beliefs did not hinder organ donation, those willing to donate organs to someone with different beliefs, those who would accept organ transplantation if needed, those willing to fill out a document stating they have donated organs, and those who believed that explanations and guidance from religious leaders would increase organ donation, had higher scores on both the organ donation knowledge scale and the attitude scale (p<0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between students' organ donation knowledge levels and their attitudes (r=0.193; p=0.001). Conclusion: As a result of the study, a positive relationship between organ donation knowledge level and attitude was found, indicating that education positively influenced both parameters. In order to increase the community's knowledge level and positive attitudes towards organ donation, it is necessary to first enhance the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals and, prior to that, health sciences students. Informing students about organ transplantation and donation, creating awareness, whether through the use of social media or integration into the education curriculum, will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of promoting healthy and quality living in society.