Awareness, Attitude, and Perception of Deceased Organ Donation among Medical Social Worker Students after a Sensitization Program

Background: Organ donation is a critical component of the healthcare system, and there is a persistent shortage of organs and organ demand. To address this challenge is to have a better understanding of awareness, attitudes, and perceptions, particularly among medical social worker (MSW) students, who are a key component of the transplantation process. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of MSW students toward organ donation after a sensitization program on brain death and organ donation. Methodology: A mixed-method study was carried out among 121 MSW students of Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham University. After sensitization program of brain death and organ donation, the participants filled a questionnaire consisting of a combination of both closed-ended and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were described descriptively, whereas qualitative responses were analyzed through thematic analysis. Written informed consent was taken before the data collection using Google Forms. Results: Sensitization program significantly improved students’ knowledge of brain death (95.7%) and eliminated misconceptions about organ donation (87.6%). Most (90.1%) showed a positive attitude change toward organ donation. In addition, 99% valued the community importance of awareness campaigns, 95% were comfortable discussing organ donation, and 71.9% were comfortable signing for posthumous organ donation. Key themes in qualitative analysis were perceived virtue, barriers, media influence, and strategies to enhance donation rates. While participants were strongly supportive of organ donation, their concerns over awareness gaps, myths, and fear highlighted the significance of education, policy change, and media participation. Conclusion: The research shows the success of sensitization programs in enhancing awareness and attitudes toward organ donation. The use of systematic education programs, media involvement, and policy interventions can also augment donation rates and donation by the public.