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Evaluation of an educational, theater-based intervention on attitudes toward organ donation in Risaralda, Colombia
Buitrago, Juliana; Gómez, Sandra; Guerra, Alvaro; Lucumí, Leidy; Romero, César & Sánchez, Julio
Abstract
Introduction: The shortage of organs for transplantation is a worldwide problem and the main cause is the refusal
of family members to donate. Consent to donate is influenced by many factors and educational interventions
are strongly recommended.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an educational, theater-based strategy on the attitudes toward organ donation.
Methodology: This study employed an intervention using theater as the central tool. The impact of this intervention
on the intention to donate was assessed through a controlled, prospective, nonrandomized designed
study. The sample consisted of 1,038 people. All the participants answered a survey that asked about sex, age and
intent to donate. Afterward, one portion of the sample was exposed to the play, The Gift of Life, and a subsequent
discussion forum that was guided by experts. The same survey was administered again after the intervention.
Results: Before the intervention, donation attitudes were positive in 68.3% of the responses, negative in 6.8%
and uncertain in 24.9%. Females showed a greater intent to donate while age had no apparent influence on the
donation decision. Those exposed to the intervention were found to be more likely to donate and show a favorable
change in attitude toward donation than those who were not exposed to the intervention.
Conclusion: An educational intervention using theater is an effective tool to generate a short-term change in
the intent to donate. Educational strategies should be employed to increase the rates of organ donation.
Keywords
Education, tissue and organ procurement, drama, organ transplantation, healtcare acceptability, organ donations.
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