[Knowledge on the corneas donation in the adult population in a province of Apulia Region].

NTRODUCTION AND AIM

The spread of the donation culture is a crucial element in promo- ting solidarity and altruistic ideas necessary for meeting the needs of tissue transplants present on the territory. The research intends to assess the knowledge, the values, the attitude and the willingness to donate their corneas of adults, residents in the Province of Barletta - Andria - Trani (BT).

METHOD

The sample was composed of 815 adults aged between 18 and 70 years and it was selected with simple random sampling among population residents in the Province of Barletta - Andria - Trani. All participants were interviewed by means of a questionnaire formulated and sent via Google modules. Their knowledge, values and attitudes were evaluated to deter- mine their willingness to donate their corneas.

RESULTS

The participation rate was 64.4% (525/815). 68.4% (359/525) of participants would agree to donate their corneas. 89% (467/525) of participants know the theme of dona- tion. Asking specific questions to the participants on the donation path, the correct answers are on average 80%. This percentage increases to 86.2% considering only those who are willing to donate. Greater knowledge and an increase in altruistic values can be associated with an increase in willingness to donate.

CONCLUSION

A good percentage of participants, about at 68,4% (359/525), is willing to donate their corneas. The awareness in this regard turns out to be very high, but the specific knowledge of the entire process should be further increased anyway.