Knowledge and ethical perception regarding organ donation among medical students

Background: To determine the knowledge and ethical perception regarding organ donation amongst medical students in Karachi-Pakistan. Methods: Data of this cross sectional study was collected by self administered questionnaire from MBBS students of Ziauddin University from 2010 to 2011. Sample size of 158 (83 First years and 75 Fourth years) were selected by convenient sampling and those students who were present and gave consent were included in the study. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 158 participants from Ziauddin Medical University filled out the questionnaire out of which 83 (52.5%) were first years and 75(47.5%) were fourth year medical students. Mean age of sample was 20 +/- 1.7. Majority of students were aware about organ donation with print and electronic media as the main source of information. 81.6% agreed that it was ethically correct to donate an organ. In the students' opinion, most commonly donated organs and tissues were kidney, cornea, blood and platelet. Ideal candidates for donating organ were parents (81%). Regarding list of options for preference to receive an organ, most of the students agreed on young age group patients and persons with family. Willingness to donate was significantly associated with knowledge of allowance of organ donation in religion (P=0.000). Conclusion: Both 1st year and 4th year students are aware of Organ Donation, but there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the topic.