Effectiveness of awareness program on the knowledge, awareness, and perception of undergraduate paramedical and non-paramedical students toward eye donation-A cross sectional study

Introduction: Corneal transplantation is the only option to treat corneal blindness. However, the corneal procurement rate is much less than the requirement. Barriers to eye donation need to be studied. Aim: The aim of this study is to understand the knowledge, awareness, and perception toward eye donation and the determination of barriers to eye donation among university students and to conduct an awareness campaign and determination of its effectiveness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 graduation students of paramedical and nonparamedical department with the help of questionnaire. An awareness program was carried out through PowerPoint presentation. Responses were elicited pre- and post-awareness program. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16. Results: The findings suggest that knowledge and awareness were slightly higher among paramedical students but the willingness for eye donation was higher among nonparamedical students as compared to paramedical students. The prime source of information was doctors/optometrists and media. In both the groups, female and Hindu participants showed more willingness toward eye donation. Barriers to eye donation was the lack of awareness and inappropriate knowledge including various myths and superstitions. Knowledge, awareness, and willingness for eye donation pre- and post-awareness program was comparable between both the groups. Awareness program resulted in statistically significant increase in positive attitude and willingness toward eye donation in both the groups. Conclusion: Effective measures including awareness campaign need to be taken such as education on eye donation through which procurement of cornea can be increased and burden of corneal blindness can be minimized.