MJM, Vol 70 Supplement 1 September 2015
Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs towards
willingness to register as Organ Donor among Management and Science University
(MSU) Medical Students
*Gombak Health District Office, Bandar Baru Selayang, Selangor, **Institute for Health Behavioural Research, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, ***Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Organ transplantation is a firmly established in medicine as a procedure that can saves or prolongs the lives of people with organ failure. Healthcare providers play a critical role in educating and motivating the public to pledge their organs for donation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of MSU medical students towards their willingness to register as organ donor.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 medical students from MSU. Self-administered questionnaires were employed to collect demographic characteristics, basic knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about organ donation from subjects. Data were analysed using SPSS Windows version 21.0.
Results: Overall, respondents were knowledgeable about organ donation, but only a small proportion (15.0%) had signed the organ donation card. Both attitudes (p<0.05) and beliefs (p<0.05) were positively associated with willingness. However, there was no statistically significant difference between knowledge and willingness to register as organ donor. Only 58.8% per cent were willing to donate their organs in the future. Other respondents identified several reasons, which may influence their decisions to donate organs.
Discussion: The medical curriculum should highlight the organ shortage problem. The donor registration system should be made more convenient and public education is recommended to correct misconceptions.
Keywords: organ donation, medicine, students, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs
