Open AccessRenal Transplantation: What We Need to Do More? A Perception Based Study in the Medical Colleges of Peshawar
Author(s) -
Ali Raza,
Saadia Ashraf,
Asad Akhtar,
Mahnoor Asim,
Suman Shah,
Henan khan,
Momiz
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
pakistan biomedical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2709-2798
pISSN - 2709-278X
DOI - 10.54393/pbmj.v5i4.388
Subject(s) - transplantation , donation , medicine , perception , kidney transplantation , family medicine , disease , psychology , neuroscience , economics , economic growth
Renal transplantation, is the most frequently carried out transplantation procedure globally and is the treatment of choice and improves the quality of life in end-stage renal disease, but there is a deficiency of kidney donors despite its high need. Medical students and personnel play a pivotal role in shaping the patient’s perception regarding a procedure. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding renal transplantation in Pakistan. Methods: It was a cross-sectional conducted at public and private medical colleges of Peshawar targeting 4th and final year MBBS students. The study was conducted from December 2019 to October 2020. Results: There were 160 participants, 90 (57 %) males and 69 (43 %) female students. The knowledge about renal transplantation was found high. 24.4 % believed that only family members can donate and 64.4 % believed that there is an age limit for kidney donation. The study participants supported kidney donation (93 %). Similarly, only 34 % favored cadaveric donation over live kidney donation. This attitude was reflected in 38 % of the students disapproving of the thought of donating their own kidneys, as compared to 60 % favoring the idea of donating their kidneys after their death. Conclusions: For medical students, good scores in knowledge mean a better understanding of the transplantation procedures and the needs of the community. However, inadequate utilization of these services for needy patients resulted in a negative attitude. Awareness seminars, and the use of all forms of media to bring the change in perceptions, especially in the medical community.