AWARENESS OF EYE DONATION AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN A NURSING COLLEGE IN RURAL SOUTH KERALA
Main Article Content
Keywords
Corneal blindness, eye donation, awareness, knowledge
Abstract
Background
Corneal blindness is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in India. Despite the high demand for corneal transplants, the rate of eye donation remains significantly low, creating a substantial gap between need and availability. For this, awareness regarding eye donation is necessary.
Objectives
To assess the awareness, attitude, and knowledge regarding eye donation among nursing students.
Methods
A cross-sectional study conducted at the College of Nursing, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Karakonam. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the students, and it was analysed.
Results
99.3% of the students were aware of eye donation. The mass media were found to be the major source of information. 31% were willing to donate their eyes. Their knowledge in the subject was limited, as only 38% knew the ideal time for eye removal after death, only 31% knew that it can treat only corneal blindness, and only 44% knew that the cornea is the part of the eye that is transplanted.
Conclusion
Although most participants were aware of eye donation, many lacked detailed knowledge and had not decided to donate. Reluctance was linked to personal beliefs, religious concerns, and fear about physical appearance. However, many showed willingness to support awareness efforts. Educating nursing students is essential as they are future healthcare professionals who can play a key role in promoting eye donation in the future
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All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr. Susha. G.S
Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Karakonam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Dr. Hari Ramakrishnan
Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Karakonam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India