A Study on Eye Donation Awareness Among Medical and Engineering Students in Puducherry

Abstract

Background:- It is observed that 12% of the world’s blind population is affected by corneal blindness, a visual impairment that is amenable to treatment. The alarming figures rise every year, keeping India in the lead. Corneal transplantation remains the main-stay of treatment for restoring vision in such patients. Literature review in India reveals that the awareness about eye donation in public, especially among the youth is very low. Hence creation of awareness carries paramount importance. The aim of this study is to compare awareness between the Medical and Engineering college students in Puducherry and to explore ways to involve medical community and other sectors. Materials and Methods:- Students following their respective courses (I – IV year) during January to June 2016 participated in the study. Out of 679 students, 277 were medical and 402 were engineering students. The study started with initial clarification of questions followed by administration of pretested and semi-structured questionnaire with informed consent. The results were derived through statistical analysis. Results:- All the students were aware of eye donation. Awareness on various parameters is higher among the medical students. Television channels were considered as the most powerful tool amongst the media-to reach out to the public. Conclusion:- The study is in agreement with similar studies towards the necessity for awareness creation. Creation of awareness on eye donation can greatly improve current statistics. The medical students, in close collaboration with the community groups like Non Governmental Organisations, can reach out to public. The eyebanks and medical colleges can be linked up for advocacy programmes. Education on organ donation is a must for the society. The student community, medical and paramedical staff should be actively involved in this regard. Media campaign can play a commendable role to reach out to the masses for optimum benefit. 56.80% were aware of this fact while 43.20% were oblivious to it. Out of 277 medical students, 54.90% Abstract