Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study was conducted between 2012 and 2013 in order to determine knowledge and views of university students, attending at different faculties, regarding organ donation and transplantation. METHODS: Data of the study were collected via questionnaire form prepared by researchers in line with the literature and submitted to expert opinion. The study was conducted with 921 students and the questionnaire forms were filled out by students in the classroom under supervision of researchers. RESULTS: Of students included within the scope of the study; 36.4% were from department of health sciences, 34.9% were from department of social sciences and 28.7% were from department of sciences. As a result of the study it was determined that while 50.1% of the students considered donating an organ, only 4.2% made an organ donation until the date of the study. Examining knowledge status of students regarding the organ donation; only 42.5% obtained information about organ donation and transplantation and the students had no sufficient knowledge related to organ donation and transplantation. Examining the reasons behind why the students did not consider the organ donation; for 2.5%, this was contrary to their religious belief and 47.4% did not consider making the organ donation since the physical integrity is impaired CONCLUSION: Consequently, it was found out that students participating in the study had considerably lack of knowledge regarding organ donation and transplantation; their attitudes and behaviors on organ donation were different and few of students wishing to make the organ donation donated their organs. 

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