Knowledge and willingness towards organ donation among undergraduate students: a college-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Organ donation is one of the most meaningful ways to save the lives of people with end-stage organ failure. Even with advances in transplantation, the shortage of available organs remains a serious public health concern. Undergraduate students are an important group to engage because, with the right knowledge, they can help spread awareness and encourage positive attitudes toward organ donation in the wider community. Understanding what students know and how willing they are to donate is therefore important for planning effective educational programmes. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and willingness regarding organ donation among undergraduate students, examine the association between knowledge and willingness and identify the association of knowledge and willingness with selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional design was used among undergraduate students of Government Degree College, Mishriwala. A total of 100 students were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-developed, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, knowledge regarding organ donation and willingness to donate. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: Most participants (78%) had an average level of knowledge regarding organ donation and 44% expressed willingness to donate their organs. Knowledge was significantly associated with age, religion and occupation of the head of the family. Willingness was significantly associated with gender and religion.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that educational interventions addressing misconceptions and highlighting the benefits of organ donation may help improve willingness among young adults.