A Swedish survey of young people's views on TX

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A Swedish survey of young people's views on organ

donation and transplantation

Margareta A. Sanner1,

(1)     Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences,

Uppsala Science Park, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden

Abstract.

The aim of this study is to explore young people's

attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge on organ donation

and transplantation. A survey was conducted among

1,447 students aged 15-18 years in four urban areas in

Sweden. Although students looked upon organ

transplantation favorably, only 50% were willing to

donate their own organs, and only 20% the organs of

their parents. Concerning organ donation, 75% of the

students expressed some discomfort. There were

significant gender differences. About 70% of the

students indicated that transplantation issues should

be included in the school curriculum. It is concluded

that teenagers feel irresolution and discomfort

regarding organ donation after death, but concurrently

see organ transplantation as a highly valued service.

One way that this mental conflict can be resolved is

through education. Educational programs in school must

address this ambivalence and both mediate facts and

help students to work through the fear and discomfort

associated with organ donation.

Becki

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