ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS ORGAN DONATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT SHER-I-KASHMIR INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES MEDICAL COLLEGE BEMINA SRINAGAR
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Organ donation is crucial for saving lives, but misconceptions and cultural factors often hinder its acceptance. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation among undergraduate medical students in Srinagar.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate medical students at SKIMS Medical College. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire that covered demographic information, knowledge of organ donation, and attitudes toward it. Ethical clearance was obtained, and written informed consent was taken from all participants.
Results: The majority of participants (60%) were male, aged 19-23 years, with 78% being Muslim. All participants (100%) were aware of organ donation in India, and 99% believed it could save lives. 72% thought organs could be donated after death, and 78% supported organ donation to save lives. The most common organs identified for donation were kidneys (50%), eyes (26%), and heart (10%). While 62.5% were unwilling to donate organs, 72% were open to receiving organs. Religion was the primary reason for refusal (56%). Most participants (100%) supported the implementation of laws regulating organ donation. No participants had ever donated an organ.
Conclusion: Medical students showed good knowledge of organ donation, but their willingness to donate was significantly influenced by religious beliefs. Educational efforts are needed to address misconceptions and encourage organ donation among healthcare professionals in training.
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Dr Mehreen Latif
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, SKIMS MCH Bemina Srinagar
Dr Wasim Rashid
Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, SKIMS MCH Bemina, Srinagar
Dr Ishfaq Ahmad Baba
Senior Consultant and HOD Emergency Medicine, Graphic Era Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun
Dr Sabina Bashir
Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, SKIMS MCH Bemina, Srinagar
Dr. Areeb
Postgraduate scholar, Department of Ophthalmology, SKIMS MCH Bemina, Srinagar