Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Regarding Organ Donation among the Nursing Students

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception regarding organ donation among the nursing students. The study was conducted at National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Using stratified systematic random sampling technique, 200 nursing student undergoing graduation and postgraduation courses were enrolled in the study. The tool used for data collection was a self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of three parts, i.e. information profile, assessment of knowledge, and assessment of attitude and perception regarding organ donation. For the assessment of knowledge, 17 multiple choice questions with one correct answer was used. The maximum attainable score was 18. One question had two right answers and was given a score of two. A five point Likert scale consisting of 15 questions was used for assessment of both attitude and perception of subjects regarding organ donation. Maximum attainable score was 65. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of study revealed that 74.5% of the subjects had average knowledge, 22% had poor knowledge and only 3.5% had good level of knowledge regarding organ donation. The mean knowledge score of the subjects was 10.56 ± 2.01 with the range of 5 to 17. Regarding attitude and perception toward organ donation, 55.5% had neutral attitude and perception, 43.5% had positive attitude and perception and only 1% had negative attitude and perception.It was concluded that majority of students had average knowledge about organ donation with neutral or positive attitude and perception. There is need to organize separate educational programs on organ donation for the nursing students other than their classroom teaching.