Effect of Education on a Group of University School for Health Sciences Students' Opinions and Knowledge Level about Organ Transplantation and Donation

BACKGROUND: This research was conducted as a descriptive study for the purpose of determining the effect of education on a group of University School for Health Sciences students' opinions and knowledge level about organ transplantation and donation. METHODS: The research population was the 65 students in the second year at Denizli School for Health Sciences Nursing and Health Officer Division. The sample was comprised of the entire population and 81.5% of the students (n=53) completed the survey. The research data were collected in May 2007 with a survey prepared by the researchers. Number, percentage calculation, and t test in dependent groups were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the students' opinions about organ transplantation and donation was obtained before and after a seminar (p<0.05). Before the education 75.5% of the students stated that they had information about organ donation and 64.2% that they could donate, but after education 92.5% stated that they had information and 71.7% that the would donate organs. The knowledge level mean score before education was 30.69±5.43 which rose to 34.03±4.99 after education. CONCLUSION: In conclusion education was seen to be effective in changing students' opinions and knowledge about organ donation and transplantation. For this reason it is suggested that it would be beneficial to include information about organ donation and transplantation in the curriculum of health care workers who will be leaders in society. [TAF Prev Med Bull. 2008; 7(1): 39-46]