Attitude and knowledge about Organ Donation among Nurses in Croatia, A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in opinion and knowledge about organ donation of nurses working in the surgical and non-surgical department. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 223 nurses working in surgical, and non-surgical departments. An anonymous survey questionnaire was used as a research instrument, which consisted of questions on socio-demographic data, and questions on opinions and knowledge about organ donation. Results: Most participants would donate their organs after death (71.2%). The most common reason for not donating organs was insufficient information (40%), the importance of knowing that their body will be whole at the time of burial (21.8%), and the age of the respondents (20%). Participants would donate organs after the death of a close family member (52.3%). 29 (13.2%) participants have a donor card, significantly more of them from surgical departments (P = 0.04). Participants who would not donate their organs were significantly more likely to say that they would not or did not know whether they would receive an organ from a person of another religion (P < 0,001). Participants from surgical departments (P = 0.04) and Masters of Nursing have significantly more correct answers. (P = 0,009). Conclusion: Most participants would donate their organs after death, with no statistical significance regarding the position and level of education. Knowledge about organ donation was average, significantly higher among Masters of Nursing and among participants from surgical departments.