A survey of medical students on their attitudes towards face transplantation.
The aim of this study was to assess and analyse the attitudes of medical students towards face transplantation. Medical students at the University of Cape Town were prospectively surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. There were 402 participants; the mean age was 21 years (range 16-37 years), 35% were male and 65% were female. Only 12% were registered organ donors and 33% were interested in a surgical career. Two thirds of the respondents were in favour of face transplantation. Registered organ donors were the most willing to donate their face in the event of brain death (P = 0.00). Seventy-four percent of the respondents stated 'identity issues' as their main concern and 33% mentioned cost as a critical factor when considering the procedure. Personal experience with facial disfigurement and involvement in the care of a patient with facial disfigurement did not affect the willingness to donate or accept a face transplant, or the amount of support for the procedure (P > 0.05). This is the first study that exclusively describes the attitudes of medical students towards face transplantation.
Department of General Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Vandana
V
Sobnach
Department of General Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Delawir
D
Kahn
Department of General Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Thadathilankal
T
John
Department of General Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Tinashe
T
Chandauka
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Kevin George
KG
Adams
Department of General Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa. Electronic address: sanjusobnach@hotmail.com.
Sanju
S
Sobnach
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D054445:Facial Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013019:South Africa; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Attitudes; Composite tissue allograft; Face transplantation; Medical students; South Africa