Organ and Cadaver Donation; Student Opinions from Different Cultures.

Abstract

Objective: Despite organ donations, the need for organs is increasing daily, and efforts to increase organ donation continue without slowing down. Cadaver donation, necessary for medical education, is an issue waiting to be supported worldwide. In our study, a questionnaire was applied to measure the knowledge and attitudes of Turkish and international students toward organ and cadaver donation. Material and Methods: A total of 305 students, including 236 Turkish citizens and 68 international students, participated in the study. Students accessed the prepared questionnaires via a Google form. Results: It was determined that there was a statistical difference between Turkish and international students regarding their knowledge about organ donation compared to cadaver donation (Turkish students 78.8 % (n=186) yes, international students 57.,4 % (n=39) yes). In the social circles of Turkish and international students, organ donations were more common than cadaver donations, and a statistically significant difference was found for both groups (Turkish students 42.8 % (n=101) yes, international students 48.5 % (n=33) yes). The reasons for donating their bodies (Turkish students 48.3% (n=114) ''For use in organ transplantation'', international students 35.3 % (n=24) ''Because your body is useless after death and decays''), and organs (Turkish students 35.6 % (n=84), international students 32.4 % (n=22) ''For use in organ transplantation'') of Turkish and international students differed significantly. Conclusion: Based on the answers given by the students, it has been concluded that donations will increase when information is provided about the importance of organ and cadaver donation.