A study of awareness of organ donation among young adults in rural area.

Aswar Nandkeshav R.; Kale Kalpana M.; Pawar Ramesh D; Shaikh Reem

Volume : X, Issue : IV, April - 2020

A study of awareness of organ donation among young adults in rural area.

Aswar Nandkeshav R. , Kale Kalpana M. , Pawar Ramesh D, Shaikh Reem

Abstract :

Introduction: Though in India, the Transplantation of Human Organs Act was enacted in 1994, the rate of organ donation is poor (.00034%) and patients die while on the waiting list as they do not get an organ on time. The obstacle to organ donation are – refusal of family consent, lack of awareness, myths and misconceptions about it. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and misconceptions regarding organ donation among general public in rural area. Methodology: Present cross–sectional study is carried out in 350 adults of 18 to 40 years belonging to rural area during July and August 2019. Randomly selected individual is interviewed to obtain information about their demographic characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practice about organ donation. Results: Mean age of the participants was 31.1 years. All 350 participants heard about organ donation. Eligibility criteria for organ donation was known to 40.6% participants. 19.7% heard about ain death.12.9% and 10.6% are aware about the organ donation card and legislation respectively. Mass media was the major source of information (82.6%). 34.8 % participants have adequate knowledge while 39.1% have positive attitude about organ donation. Various misconceptions about organ donation were– chance to misuse donated organs(13.7%), organ donation disfigures the body (10.3%), people below 18 years cannot donate the organ (8.3 %), patients with hypertension and diabetes cannot donate organs(9.4 %), organ donation can be done only after death of the patient (6.9%) and religion do not allow them to donation organs(6.6%). Conclusion: These rural people lack awareness with regard to ain–death and procedure of organ donation requiring spreading awareness for understanding of the concept of ain–death and organ donation through awareness campaign