Knowledge Level and Attitudes of Physiotherapy Students on Tissue/Organ Transplantation and Donation: A Cross-sectional Survey

Authors

Deniz Tuncer, Bezmialem Vakif UniversityFollow
Hulya Nilgun Gurses, Bezmialem Vakif UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Physiotherapists do not have the opportunity to acquire sufficient knowledge and skills in tissue/organ donation and transplantation as part of their education. The aim was to examine the level of knowledge and attitudes of physiotherapy students regarding organ donation and transplantation. Method: The study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study and conducted among the four academic years of physiotherapy students. A total of 161 students participated in this study. The level of knowledge and attitudes were assessed using the ‘Organ-Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale’ and the ‘Organ Donation Attitude Scale’ along with the sociodemographic information form. Results: Overall score of the ‘Organ-Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale’ was 13.04 ± 2.51, which corresponds to a good level of knowledge. The mean scores of students' attitudes toward organ donation measured by the ‘Organ Donation Attitude Scale’ were 99.26±13.44 for the ‘humanity and moral conviction’, 22.29±7.98 for the ‘fear of medical neglect’, and 29.34±9.65 for the ‘fear of bodily mutilation’ subdimensions, corresponding to a high level of attitude. A significant majority of students (90.1%, n=145) knew the definition of brain death. Conclusions: The role of healthcare professionals in informing and directing patients and their relatives about organ donation is important in increasing the awareness and positive attitudes about organ donation. Well-structured educational programs can enhance the role of physiotherapists to promote public organ donation knowledge and attitude. Efforts should be made to provide physiotherapists with comprehensive and appropriate training on organ donation and transplantation.

Author Bio(s)

Deniz Tuncer, PT, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences at Bezmialem Vakif University in Turkey. She has M.Sc degree on Developmental Neurology and Ph.D degree on Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

Hulya Nilgun Gurses, PT, PhD, Prof, is a Head of the Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences at Bezmialem Vakif University in Turkey. She is also Head of the Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2024.2457

Recommended Citation

Tuncer D, Gurses HN. Knowledge Level and Attitudes of Physiotherapy Students on Tissue/Organ Transplantation and Donation: A Cross-sectional Survey. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Mar 22;22(2), Article 6.