Knowledge, attitude, and perceptions regarding organ donation and transplantation among medical students of a medical college of Delhi

Abstract Background: Organ transplantation is a successful therapeutic option for patients with irreversible vital organ failures. Some patients with end-stage organ failure face this life-and-death situation. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of medical students regarding organ donation and transplantation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College and Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, for 1 month. Data was entered and analyzed using the chi-square test in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results: Among the study participants, approximately 23.9% had inadequate knowledge about organ donation and transplantation. Analysis of knowledge with associated factors revealed that age and area of residence were statistically significantly associated ( P < 0.001). Among the study participants, only 3.8% had signed up to be an organ donor, approximately 43.3% agreed to consider themselves as a kidney donor in future, 68.1% demonstrated a positive attitude toward organ donation and transplantation, and 28.2% had a neutral attitude. Conclusion: This study concludes with high-level knowledge and positive attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation, whereas only a few participants registered themselves as organ donor. A competency-based curriculum, combined with the integration of specific knowledge and orientation about organ donation and transplantation to medical students, bridged the gap of organ shortage in India.