Presumed post-mortem donors: the degree of information among university students

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2021

Autores

Pinho, RDC (Autor) Outra; Cristina Costa Santos (Autor) FMUP; Ivone Duarte (Autor) FMUP

Revista

A Revista está pendente de validação pelos Serviços Administrativos.

Título: BMC MEDICAL ETHICS

Vol. 22

ISSN: 1472-6939

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus - 1 Citação

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00V-JKW

DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00707-2

Abstract (EN): Background Organ transplantation represents the most effective and acceptable therapy for end-stage organ failure. However, its frequent practice often leads to a shortage of organs worldwide. To solve this dilemma, some countries, such as Portugal, have switched from an opt-in to an opt-out system, which has raised concerns about respect for individual autonomy. We aimed to evaluate whether young university students are aware of this opt-out system so that they can make informed, autonomous and conscious decisions, as well as to identify the factors that determine a positive attitude toward post-mortem organ donation. Methods An observational, cross-sectional study was developed and a questionnaire was administered to first-year students from six faculties of the University of Porto. Results Of the 841 participants, 60% were unaware that Portugal had adopted an opt-out system. Among the informed individuals, their main sources of information included social media, internet, and family. Furthermore, only 48% of all participants agreed with the current opt-out system. Female sex (p = 0.049; OR 1.393), knowledge of the law (p < 0.001; OR 4.749) and family being the primary source of information (p < 0.001; OR 2.855) were independent factors associated with a positive attitude toward post-mortem organ donation law. Conclusions There is a significant lack of knowledge among young university students regarding the presumed post-mortem organ donation law and how it works. Female sex, having family as a primary source of information and being aware of the presumed post-mortem organ donation law are the strongest independent factors that determine a positive attitude toward the opt-out system.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 16