The impact of information and education programs on the attitudes of health care students towards organ and tissue donation. (English)

Organ and tissue transplantation is the most widespread method of restoring diseased organs worldwide. Despite continuous progress in transplantation in medical science, millions of people die every year while waiting on transplant waiting lists. Organ donation for transplant is an accepted method at the global level, but a variety of ethical concerns and dilemmas hinder growth of the donor list. The commercialization of organs, religious beliefs, and the lack of trust among individuals towards the medical community are the most important obstacles to extensive availability of organs and tissues. The lack of appropriate information and education about donation impede new donor registration. Education is a determining factor in changing the attitudes and behavior of individuals towards various health issues that concern the general population, and the implementation of educational programs for health care students on the importance of organ and tissue donation can result in a significant attitude change and increased knowledge. Education of this group of students could bring about positive change in behaviors that are currently obstructing health promotion in the field of transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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