Opinions of nursing and theology faculty students on Xenotransplantation

Abstract

Background It is mentioned that students' opinions about xenotransplantation (XTx) have been explored in a limited manner. In particular, there is no literature in Turkey on Nursing and Theology students' perspectives on XTx. This research aimed to find out what Nursing and Theology students thought about XTx. Methods This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted on students studying at the Theology and Nursing faculties. The study population consisted of 2.581 students educated in these faculties. Without using any sampling method, it was aimed to reach all students, and 1.780 (70%) students were reached. Data were collected using a participant identification form and questionnaire form, which the researchers developed. Results The difference between the answers given by the Nursing and Theology students to the information statements about XTx was statistically significant (p < .001). Nursing and Theology students’ attitudes to organ or tissue Tx from halal animals in case of necessity were positive (p < .001). While the nursing students’ attitude toward organ or tissue Tx from non‐helal animals in case of necessity was negative, Theology students had no idea (p < .001). In other attitude statements, while nursing students responded positively, Theology students responded as “I have no idea” (p ≤ .001). Conclusion Theology students tended to have the question about XTx and only positive attitude towards XTx from halal animals. Nursing students mostly had positive attitude, but negative when XTx is practiced out of necessity.

Acceptance of xenotransplantation by patients waiting for organ donation: A qualitative study

“…Previous studies also indicate that Muslims and Jews have a more conservative view on transplantation from pigs. And it is emphasized that religious authorities should pay special attention to this issue 16–20,26–28 . In the present study, the participants also expect clarification from religious authorities on transplantation from non‐haram animals.…”

“…Muslims, on the other hand, religiously emphasize that no part of the pig should be used for medical purposes 16 . It has also been reported that the Turkish community, the majority of which is Muslim, has a positive attitude towards xenotransplantation, while religious barriers exist 17 …”

“…It was determined that 62% of nursing students studying at the Lebanese University in Poland had a positive attitude towards xenotransplantation, especially fourth‐year nursing students had a more positive attitude, and Catholics accepted such donations more easily than those belonging to other faith traditions 20 . Nearly 3000 Turkish students were reported to accept organ donation from halal animals in case of necessity and to have a negative attitude towards organ donation from non‐halal animals 17 . From this point of view, the lack of clarity in social acceptance of animal transplants creates problems in the realization of clinical practices.…”

“…16 It has also been reported that the Turkish community, the majority of which is Muslim, has a positive attitude towards xenotransplantation, while religious barriers exist. 17 It has been shown that 74% of approximately nine thousand Spanish people have a favorable opinion about xenotransplantation. It has also been reported that the opinion on xenotransplantation is influenced by the attitude of the immediate surroundings.…”

“…20 Nearly 3000 Turkish students were reported to accept organ donation from halal animals in case of necessity and to have a negative attitude towards organ donation from non-halal animals. 17…”