From where do our children receive information about organ donation and transplantation?

INTRODUCTION

The information provided about organ donation and transplantation (ODT) affects whether it is viewed favorably or unfavorably.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine the means by which each source of information about ODT influenced attitudes of children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten secondary schools from the south-east of Spain were stratified geographically. We performed a random selection of pupils from the first 4 years of compulsory secondary range, education (age 11-15 years). A validated self-administered questionnaire about attitudes toward ODT was completed anonymously.

RESULTS

The adolescents had received information about ODT through several sources. The most frequent sources were television (86%), films (59%), and magazines (56%). Positive information from information sources was associated with more favorable attitudes toward ODT (P<.05); those who received negative information had more unfavorable attitudes (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Most information about ODT that reaches our children is through audiovisual means. Attitudes were more favorable among adolescents who have received positive information through the mass media, with more negative attitudes among those who received negative information.