Determination and Comparison of the Attitudes of Nursing and Theology Students Toward Organ Donation: Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study

Ahmet Göktaş ¹, Şerafettin Okutan ¹, Cihan Önen ¹

⁰Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bitlis Eren University, Bitlis, Turkey.

Transplantation Proceedings +

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May 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Nursing students exhibit more positive attitudes toward organ donation than Theology students, showing greater humanity and moral conviction while having fewer fears regarding medical neglect and bodily mutilation. This highlights the need for collaborative educational initiatives.

Area Of Science

Medical Ethics
Transplantation Science
Sociology of Health

Background

Organ donation is a critical medical intervention with significant ethical and societal dimensions.
Understanding student attitudes is crucial for developing effective public health and educational strategies regarding organ donation.
Previous research indicates varying attitudes across different student populations and cultural contexts.

Purpose Of The Study

To compare the attitudes of nursing and Theology students towards organ donation.
To identify specific factors influencing these attitudes, including moral conviction and fears.
To inform targeted educational interventions for promoting organ donation.

Main Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 350 nursing and Theology students in Türkiye.
Data collected using an Information Form and the Organ Donation Attitudes Scale.
Statistical analysis performed using SPSS 26.0 software.

Main Results

Nursing students demonstrated significantly higher positive attitudes (humanity, moral conviction) towards organ donation compared to Theology students.
Nursing students also exhibited significantly lower negative attitudes (fears of medical neglect, bodily mutilation) than Theology students.
Overall, students expressed positive attitudes towards the humanitarian and moral aspects of organ donation but negative attitudes towards associated fears.

Conclusions

Nursing students generally hold more favorable views on organ donation than Theology students.
Educational programs addressing organ donation processes should involve collaboration between nursing professionals and religious leaders.
Targeted interventions can help mitigate fears and enhance positive attitudes towards organ donation across diverse student groups.