Importance of education in organ donation

Transplanting is the sole therapy for the majority of organ insufficiencies, but the lack of organ donation limits transplanting. We evaluated the effect of education about "Organ Donation and Transplantation" over the false beliefs of the participants.

This interventional study was performed in a military unit between January and March 2010. Data on organ donation and demographic characteristics were collected by a questionnaire. The researcher gave the lesson, and then collected the data by the same questionnaire 2 months later.

The rate of volunteering for organ donation increased from 45.4% to 84.8% (P < .001). Rate of consent for organ donations by relatives increased from 41% to 80.3% (P < .001). Also, general knowledge about organ donation increased from 34.8% to 93.7% (P < .001). Wrong beliefs about organ donation disappeared after the education. The entire organ donation rate among the volunteer participants increased from 60% to 84% (P < .001). No significant relation was found between volunteering to donate organs, and education and economic status.

Education could correct false information and might lead to higher organ donation rates. This education (which gave positive results in a military unit) could become widespread.