A cross sectional study on awareness about eye donation among the students of a selected degree college and their willingness to pledge eyes for donation.
Abstract
Context: Corneal blindness is a major public health problem in India. Raising the level of awareness on eye donation is important to increase procurement of corneas as there is a significant mismatch between need and supply of corneal transplant.
Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge about eye donation among university students and to learn about their willingness to pledge eyes for donation.
Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months among the students of a degree college in an Indian urban city.
Methods and Material: A pre tested & semi structured questionnaire was given to the students to assess their knowledge about eye donation and their willingness to pledge eyes for donation.
Statistical analysis used: Non probability samples (convenience sample) of 211 students were selected for the study.
Results: The mean age of the students was 19.35 ± 0.73 years. Out of 211 students, 198 (94%) had heard about eye donation. Ideal time to remove eyes after death is known to 71% of the students. Only 08% of the students knew a person with Diabetes or Hypertension can donate his/her eyes. On willingness to pledge eyes for donation, 59% of the participants were ready to pledge and 05% were not willing to donate eyes.
Conclusion: Even though the students have heard about eye donation the knowledge was lacking on important aspects of eye donation. The Majority have not registered for eye donation however willingness to pledge the eyes for donation was present among most of the students.
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References
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