Introduction: Organ donation is a crucial solution to the global organ shortage crisis, yet its success hinges significantly on public perception and understanding. This study delves into the intricacies of perception versus perspective among university students regarding organ donation. We aim to decipher the underlying factors shaping students' views on this vital issue through qualitative survey analysis.
Method: This study was designed as a descriptive study and conducted at Başkent University Bağlıca Campus in Ankara, Türkiye. A total of 624 students (F: 404/ M: 220) participated in the study voluntarily and filled out the questionnaire form. The survey questions were prepared to evaluate students' perspectives and perceptions on organ donation. Questions contain cultural and religious beliefs associated with organ donation as well as the general misconceptions about organ donation and transplantation. SPSS22 Software program and the chi-square and descriptive analysis methods were used to analyze the data.
Results: The mean age of participants is 21,59 ± 2,25, and students at all levels of education presented in the survey ( Bachelor: 86,4%; Masters: 10,4%; PhD: 3,2%).
According to the results, there is a dissonance between students' perception (Strongly Negative: 2,4%, Negative: 11,9%, Moderate: 71%, Positive: 14,1%, Strongly Positive: 0,6%)  and perspective (Egocentric: 1,9%, Subjective: 12,8%, Reciprocal: 12,8%, Mutual: 57,1%, Societal:15,4%) on organ donation. The analysis of the answers to the questions regarding possible concerns, beliefs, and misconceptions that may influence their attitudes reveals a spectrum of factors that significantly affect their perspectives and perceptions. While most students support organ donation in principle (93,6%), factors such as religious beliefs (98,4%), cultural norms (87,5%), distrust in healthcare systems (87,5%), and misinformation (55,2%) emerge as prominent determinants shaping individual perspectives.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study sheds light on the complex interplay between perception and perspective among university students regarding organ donation. A groundwork for targeted interventions to foster a donation culture grounded in understanding, empathy, and informed choice can be established by elucidating these underlying factors influencing attitudes.