The intention of organ donation among nursing academics: Influence of knowledge on decision

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the knowledge, opinion, and intention of students from a private university in Belém do Pará, Brazil, about the donation of organs and tissues for transplantation. Method: Cross-sectional, population-based, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Result: The sample consisted of 302 students, in which it was evidenced that the intention regarding the donation of organs and tissues for transplantation is positive, since 55.8% of the participants intend to donate some organ or tissue. However, it was found that some demographic, socioeconomic and cultural factors can influence this decision. With this study, it was possible to identify the level of knowledge and the intentions of the population about the donation of organs and tissues for transplantation, making it essential to raise awareness among the population through training and information campaigns. Conclusion: Although the majority of participants knew and supported the donation of organs and tissues, there is still a great lack of confidence in the health system, in the diagnosis of brain death and a strong presence of beliefs and myths, such as fear of having the body multiplied.