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Knowledge of organ and corneal transplants and attitudes toward organ and corneal donation among non-health students in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana
Abstract
Organ transplantation is a surgical procedure where a failing or damaged organ is removed and replaced with a new one from a donor. According to World Health Organization, the global prevalence of blindness in 2010 was 39 million people, among which 4% were due to corneal opacities. The main aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of organ and corneal transplant and attitude towards organ donation among non-health students at KNUST, Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among non-health students from the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Built Environment, College of Humanities and Social Sciences and, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource in KNUST. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection where 250 participants were sampled using multistage and convenience sampling methods. Out of the study sample, 56.4% were males. The mean ± SD age of participants was 22.13± 2.983years. Digital media (76%) was the main source of information. Out of the respondents, 88.8% were aware of organ transplant whilst 17.2% were aware of corneal transplant. The organ transplant type mostly heard of by participants was kidney transplant (81.2%). Majority (54.8%) of the respondents were willing to donate their organs, out of which 67.6% were willing to donate after death whilst 32.4% were willing to donate whilst living. Love for humanity (34.0%) was the main reason for donating. Lack of information (47.6%) and complications after surgery (46.4%) constituted the main reason for unwillingness to donate. Digital media and healthcare professionals could be utilized to further the awareness of organ and corneal transplantation and donation. Educating and carrying out awareness programs and campaigns will help in clarifying misconceptions and myths and also increase the understanding of organ and corneal transplantations and donations.
