Students' knowledge and attitude concerning organ donation at Iraqi nursing colleges.

BACKGROUND

Organ transplantation is an effective therapy for end-stage organ failure. However, there is a large gap between the need for and the supply of donor organs.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about organ donation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a descriptive cross-sectional design study. The study was conducted at four faculties of nursing, which were Baghdad, Misan, Tikrit, and Kirkuk in Iraq. The three tools included are as follows: I: Socio-Demographic Questionnaire; II: Organ-Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale (ODTKS); and III: Organ Donation Attitude Scale (ODAS).

RESULTS

More than two-thirds (71%) of the studied students have an accepted level of knowledge, while 70% of the studied students had a positive attitude toward organ donation and transplantation. There were statistically significant differences ( value <0.05) between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge level regarding gender, marital status, and academic year. Also, there were significant differences between socio-demographic characteristics and students' attitude levels regarding gender and academic year.

CONCLUSION

More than two-thirds of students had a good and fair level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward organ donation and transplantation. Providing lectures within the curriculum is needed for students to raise their knowledge and attitude about organ transplantation and donation.