THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD ORGAN DONATION TRANSPLANTATION AND BRAIN DEATH AMONG HEALTH PERSONNEL AND MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study was carried out in Uludağ University School of Medicine between September and October 1992. 340 health professionals were chosen by random sampling method. The personnel involved in transplantation unit were excluded. Among the study group 90 were faculty members; 100 were residents; 50 were nurses and 100 were interns. A printed questionnaire was sent to all of them. Only 223 respondents answered and sent it back. 7 persons had no idea of transplantation and they were excluded. Among other 216 respondents 101 (46.8%) had the knowledge of whole brain criteria; 69.9% were willingly donate their organs; 61.1% mentioned dialysis and transplantation as the best treatment of end stage renal disease and %13.9 had an organ donation card. As a conclusion, the success of transplantation depends upon the determining of brain death and the willingness of organ donation. Further efforts must be done to educate health professionals about brain death and promote the willingness of organ donation.