Nosheen Zehra

Knowledge and ethical perception regarding organ donation among medical students

BackgroundTo determine the knowledge and ethical perception regarding organ donation amongst medical students in Karachi- Pakistan.MethodsData of this cross sectional study was collected by self administered questionnaire from MBBS students of Ziauddin University from 2010 to 2011. Sample size of 158 (83 First years and 75 Fourth years) were selected by convenient sampling and those students who were present and gave consent were included in the study. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.ResultsA total of 158 participants from Ziauddin Medical University filled out the questionnaire out of which 83(52.5%) were first years and 75(47.5%) were fourth year medical students. Mean age of sample was 20 ± 1.7. Majority of students were aware about organ donation with print and electronic media as the main source of information. 81.6% agreed that it was ethically correct to donate an organ. In the students’ opinion, most commonly donated organs and tissues were kidney, cornea, blood and platelet. Ideal candidates for donating organ were parents (81%). Regarding list of options for preference to receive an organ, most of the students agreed on young age group patients and persons with family. Willingness to donate was significantly associated with knowledge of allowance of organ donation in religion (P=0.000).ConclusionBoth 1st year and 4th year students are aware of Organ Donation, but there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the topic.

Primary Health Care an Important Health Initiative- Awareness of Medical Students from Karachi-Pakistan

Objective: To assess and compare the awareness on Primary Health Care amongst medical students from different academic years of medical universities in Karachi, Pakistan. Background: The primary health care (PHC) system in Pakistan is not well developed yet, with lack of access to basic health services and a shortage of primary care physicians. Evaluating the awareness medical students from different years of study have about PHC and whether that influences their career decision-making (medical specialty choices) is important to assess the current state of PHC and predict its future in Pakistan. Hence this study aims to analyze awareness about PHC amongst medical students from different academic years of medical universities. Original Research Article Elavia et al.; BJMMR, 19(12): 1-7, 2017; Article no.BJMMR.30965 2 Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted amongst medical students from different academic years of Karachi, Pakistan. Sample size of 400 medical students was calculated by WHO (World Health Organization) sample size estimation calculator and 25% medical students from each year were obtained by non probability quota sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Results: Total 400 medical students from different academic years responded in this study with mean score obtained by them is 15.0 ± 2.67. On the basis of mean score obtained by students, the data is dichotomized into two groups i.e. average and above (score > 15) and below average (score <15). Most of the medical students from 1 to 4 year of MBBS showed average or above average awareness about PHC. Statistically significant differences were seen in the awareness about some aspects of PHC among 1 and 4 year medical students. Conclusion: This study highlights key features on the differences in students’ awareness about concept of primary health care throughout their medical study. It also identifies challenges related to medical students’ level of understanding of the functioning of primary health care system.