Publication

Abstract : Study regarding awareness on procurement, storage and handling of organs for transplantation among the students of nursing programmes, a descriptive study was conducted with the objectives to 1) determine the level of awareness of students regarding procurement, storage and handling of organs for transplantation, 2) find the association between level of awareness and selected variables and 3) prepare an information booklet on procurement, storage and handling of organs for transplantation. Data were collected from 60 Undergraduate and Post- Graduate nursing students selected by disproportionate stratified random sampling using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Level of awareness was categorized as poor, average and good. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and chi- squares. The study results indicate that majority (33, 55%) of the students had average level of awareness and none had good level of awareness. The mean awareness score was 10.3 against the maximum score of 31. Procurement (77%) and storage of the organs (70%) were the major areas of poor awareness. The Post-Graduate [MSc (N)] students had better knowledge followed by Post Basic B Sc (N). Steady increase in level of knowledge was observed in the Undergraduate programme where 60% fourth year students had average level of awareness followed by II and III year BSc (N) with 27%. Out of the 60 students only (37%) were willing to donate their organs while they are alive, but majority (90%) were willing to donate their organs after death. No association was found between level of awareness and selected variables (pgt;0.05). The findings of the study suggest the need for awareness regarding different aspects of organ donation.