Knowledge and Attitudes of Students of the Rzeszow University About the Transplantation of Organs

One of the conditions for the increasing number of transplants in Poland is the high level of knowledge and the accepting attitude toward organ transplantation in society. The aim of the present study is to get to know the level of knowledge and attitudes of students toward organ transplants.

The study was conducted in June 2017 using a diagnostic survey and estimation method using two research tools: a questionnaire survey and a message test. In the study group there were 164 students of the first (bachelor's) and second-cycle (master's) studies in nursing in the Medical Faculty of the University of Rzeszów.

In the study group, 84.1% of respondents do not have sufficient knowledge about organ transplantation. Sex and religion (P = <.001) differentiates in a statistically significant way the attitude of acceptance of transplantation therapy and attitude toward transplantation in accordance with the religion. Sex (P = .003), place of residence (P = .043), and confession (P = .003) differentiate the willingness of the respondents to be a living donor, but only for those closest to them.

The results of this study indicate insufficient knowledge about organ transplantation with a strong acceptance of the transplant therapy method and expressing the will to be a living donor for relatives. In order to promote the idea of organ donation and transplantation therapy, medical personnel as well as the general public should be educated.