The Latin American population in Spain and organ donation. Attitude toward deceased organ donation and organ donation rates

Attitude Toward Organ Donation and Transplantation in Veterinary Students: A Multicenter and Stratified Study in Spain

BACKGROUND

Veterinarians often hold decision-making positions in the public health care system and can therefore influence public opinion about organ donation and transplantation (ODT). The aim of this work was to analyze the attitude of Spanish veterinary students toward ODT, because they may influence public opinion in the future, and to determine the factors that condition it.

METHODS

This was a sociologic, interdisciplinary, multicenter, observational study in Spain. The study population was students studying for a veterinary degree in Spain (n = 9000), and a sample of 2815 students (confidence of 99% and precision of ±1%) was stratified by geographic area and academic year. A validated questionnaire of attitude toward ODT (PCID-DTO-Ríos) was self-administered and anonymous.

RESULTS

Of the 2815 selected students (2790 plus the 0.9% per type of sample), 2650 completed the questionnaire (response rate, 94.14%): 83% (n = 2207) of the respondents were in favor of donation and 17% against. The following main variables were related to a favorable attitude: being female (odds ratio [OR], 0.752; P = .034); knowing a donor (OR, 1.834; P = .003); having discussed the matter with one's family (OR, 1.587; P = .002); having spoken about the subject in social circles with friends (OR, 1.633; P < .001), and being in favor of donating a deceased family member's organs (OR, 2.403; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Seventeen percent of Spanish veterinary students were not in favor of ODT. It is important to know the factors that determine their attitude, because this will make it possible to optimize the resources invested in campaigns to promote ODT and to take more specific action.

Attitude Toward Organ Donation Related to Personal Preferences for the Final Disposition of the Dead Body in Nursing Students in Southeast Spain

INTRODUCTION

In organ donation and transplantation (ODT) and in nursing students, it is important to know the preferences about the final destination of the body once deceased. Whether these future professionals are afraid of this issue could influence their attitude toward ODT and future donation rates.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the attitude of nursing students toward cremation, burial, and autopsy and to determine the factors affecting this attitude.

METHODS

A sociologic, interdisciplinary, multicenter, and observational study included nursing diploma students (n = 750) from 2010 to 2011 at 3 universities in the southeast of Spain. A validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously.

RESULTS

Questionnaire completion rate was 92% (n = 687), with 71% (n = 486) of students accepting cremation as a body treatment after death. Those who were not worried about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < .05) and those who were in favor of deceased donation (P < .001) had a greater degree of acceptance. Of the students, 43% (n = 278) would accept burial of their body, which was related with being in the second year (P < .05) of study. Finally, 86% (n = 586) of students would accept an autopsy being carried out, if necessary, and this was related with the attitude toward ODT (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

A high percentage of nursing students would accept an autopsy being carried out. This degree of acceptance was related with a favorable attitude toward organ donation. The appropriate training of future nurses in ODT process will optimize their promotion.

Guinean Population Emigrant to Spain Has Very Little Awareness of the Donation and Transplantation of Organs

INTRODUCTION

The Guinean population is an emerging group in Europe, but the group's awareness of organ donation and transplantation has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among the population born in Guinea living in Spain.

METHODS

The population older than 15 years, born in Guinea, and resident in Spain was studied, stratified by age and sex, according to census data and immigrant assistance associations. The valuation tool used was the attitude questionnaire toward organ donation PCID-DTO RIOS (questionnaire on "Donor International Collaborative Project" on organ donation and transplantation developed by Dr Ríos). A random selection of people to survey was based on stratification. Support from African immigration support associations was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. A descriptive statistic was performed, and Student t, χ², and Fisher tests and a logistic regression analysis were applied.

RESULTS

In all, 181 Guineans were surveyed, of whom 32% (n = 58) were in favor of the donation of their own organs after death, 32% (n = 57) were against, and 36% (n = 66) were undecided. The variables that are associated with attitude toward donation are separated mainly into 4 large groups (P < .001): (1) knowledge about the process of donation and organ transplantation; (2) attitude toward the manipulation of the body; (3) religious variables; and (4) sociofamily variables, especially in relation to the couple.

CONCLUSIONS

The Guinean population emigrant to Spain has an unfriendly attitude toward organ donation.

Emigration From Puerto Rico to Florida: Multivariate Analysis of Factors That Condition Attitudes of the Puerto Rican Population Toward Organ Donation for Transplant

BACKGROUND

The Puerto Rican population represents one of the largest immigration groups in Florida, and this has an impact on the organ transplant donation process. Our aim was to analyze attitudes toward organ donation among Puerto Ricans who currently reside in the state of Florida (USA).

METHODS

The population screened consisted of individuals >15 years old, who were born in Puerto Rico, living in Florida, and awaiting organs for transplant. All participants completed the "PCID-DTO Rios" questionnaire. Random selection was done according to stratification. Support from immigration associations in Spain was needed for advice on the locations of potential respondents. Study participation was anonymized and self-administered.

RESULTS

There were 259 respondents, 37% (n = 95) were in favor of donation, 36% (n = 93) were against donation, and 27% (n = 71) were undecided. The variables associated with these attitudes were: age (P = .017); civil status (P = .021); level of education (P < .001); previous experience with donation and transplant (P < .001); attitude toward organ donation of a relative (P < .001); carrying out pro-social activities (P < .001); discussing the issue of transplant with the family (P < .001) or couple (P < .001); attitude toward incineration (P < .001), burial (P < .001), and autopsy (P < .001); fear of mutilation after donation (P < .001); and religious beliefs (P < .001). In the multivariate study, it remained an independent variable to have discussed the issue at the family level (odds ratio = 11.627; P = .009).

CONCLUSION

The Puerto Rican study population residing in Florida has an unfavorable attitude toward organ donation.

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Santiago, Cuba

INTRODUCTION

Awareness about organ donation among the general population is fundamental to organ donation programs. It is important to determine the factors that influence attitudes toward organ donation within the general population in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Santiago, Cuba, citizens.

METHODS

The study population encompassed residents in Santiago, Cuba. A sample population of residents older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation and transplant (PCID-DTO Ríos). Available census data were used. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously.

RESULTS

Of the 455 respondents, 70% of respondents are in favour of cadaveric donation, 16% are against, and 14% were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. And in the multivariate analysis, the following variables continue to feature as independent variables: 1. knowledge of the concept of brain death [OR = 2.386 (4.761-1.194); P = .014]; 2. being in favor of donating a family member's organs [OR = 3.067 (5.952-1.584); P = .001]; 3. a partner's favorable attitude [OR = 5.795 (1.477-22.731); P = .012]; 4. being an atheist/agnostic as the religious beliefs [OR = 1.845 (3.289-1.038); P = .037]; 5. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation [OR = 7.437 (2.918-18.955); P < .001]; 6. not accepting other treatment options after death, such as inhumation [OR = 3.048 (5.714-1.626); P = .001].

CONCLUSIONS

The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Santiago, Cuba population is favorable and it is associated with several psychosocial factors.

Factors That Affect the Attitudes of the Bolivian Population in Spain With Regard to Organ Donation for Transplant

BACKGROUND

The Bolivian population is an emerging Latin American immigrant group in Spain, several of whom have been transplanted or are awaiting transplant. We aimed to assess attitudes toward organ donation among Bolivians currently residing in Spain.

METHOD

The population screened was born in Bolivia but living in Spain, stratified by gender and age. The appraisal tool used was a questionnaire that assesses attitudes toward organ donation for transplant ("PCID-DTO Ríos"). Support from immigration associations in Spain was needed for advice on locations of potential respondents. Survey participation was anonymized and the questionnaire was self-administered. Verbal consent was obtained before participation.

RESULTS

There were 206 respondents: 49% (n = 101) in favor of donating their organs after death; 21% (n = 44) against donation; and 30% (n = 61) undecided. Their attitudes were found to be associated with level of education (P = .008), previous experience with donation and transplant (P = .011), concern regarding mutilation after donation (P = .002), knowing the attitude of their religion toward transplant (P = .001), the opinion of their partner (P < .001), and the possibility of needing a future transplant (P = .050). In the multivariate study, the main factor was having a partner in favor of organ donation (odds ratio = 16.129; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Attitudes toward organ donation among Bolivians residing in Spain are far more negative compared with rest of the Spanish population, due to various factors.

Veterinary Students' Attitude Toward Living Kidney Donation: A Multicenter Stratified Study From Spain

Living kidney related donations (LKRD) should be promoted because of the current deficit of organs for transplantation. The objective of the study was to analyze the attitude of Spanish veterinary students toward LKRD, because they may influence public opinion in the future, and to determine the factors that condition it.

METHODS

A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicenter, and observational study was carried out in the veterinary students enrolled in Spain (n = 9000) in the university academic year 2010-2011. A sample of 2815 students was stratified by geographical area and academic year. The students' attitude toward LKRD was assessed using a psychosocial validated questionnaire (PCID-DVR Rios), was self-administered, and was completed anonymously. Veterinary schools were randomly selected. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions. Statistical analysis was preformed using t test, χ² test, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The completion rate was 95% (n = 2683); 93% (n = 2504) were in favor of LKRD and 36% (n = 945) supported unrelated living kidney donation. The following variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude: (1) sex (P < .001), (2) being a student of southern universities (P = .03), (3) attitude toward deceased donation (P < .001), (4) having a father (P < .001) or a mother (P < .001) in favor of organ donation, and (5) having discussed the subject with friends (P = .03) or family (P = .02). However, only 60% would accept a kidney from a relative.

CONCLUSION

Spanish veterinary students have a favorable attitude toward LKRD. However, only 60% would accept a kidney from a relative.

Multicenter Stratified Study From Spain About Acceptance of Living Liver Donation Among Veterinarian Students

Veterinarians often hold decision-making positions in the public health care system, and therefore can influence public opinion about organ donation. The objective is to analyze the attitude of Spanish veterinarian students toward living liver donation (LLD) and to establish which factors have an influence on this attitude.

METHODS

A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicenter, and observational study was carried out in the veterinarian students enrolled in Spain (n = 9000) (university academic year 2010-2011). A sample of 2854 students was stratified by geographic area and academic year. A validated questionnaire (PCID-DVH RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions at randomly selected veterinary schools. Statistical analysis included t test, χ² test, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Completion rate was 94% (n = 2683); 89% (n = 2345) were in favor of related LLD, and 40% (n = 1053) supported unrelated LLD. The following variables were associated with a more favorable attitude: (1) age (P < .001), (2) sex (P < .001), (3) academic year (P < .001), (4) believing in the possibility of needing a transplant oneself in the future (P < .001), (5) attitude toward deceased donation (P < .001), (6) attitude toward living kidney donation (P < .001), (7) acceptance of a donated liver segment from a family member if one were needed (P < .001), (8) having discussed the subject with one's family (P = .009) and friends (P < .001), (9) a partner's opinion about the subject (P = .002), and (10) fear of the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Spanish veterinary students have a favorable attitude toward LLD.

Attitude Toward Organ and Tissue Xenotransplantation Questionnaire (PCID-XENOTx-Ríos): Characteristics and Psychometric Properties of the Validation in Spanish-Speaking Populations

INTRODUCTION

Making xenotransplantation socially acceptable is the first step in working toward the promotion of this potential therapy option for providing transplant organs. However, most of the questionnaires used for this task are not validated.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire of attitud toward xenotransplantation PCID-XENOTx-Ríos (Questionnaire of Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante about Xenotransplantation developed by Dr. Ríos) to validate the questionnaire in the Spanish speaking population.

METHODS

The study population was the native Spanish population living in southeast Spain. A sample of the population was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex (N = 600), using the following inclusion criteria: 1. being older than 18 years; 2. being Spanish; and 3. living in Spain. Instrument valuation. Attitude was assessed using the validated PCID-XENOTx-Ríos questionnaire to gauge attitudes toward organ and tissue xenotransplantation. The statistical analysis included an initial description of the data, an exploratory factor analysis, an items analysis, and an internal consistency analysis.

RESULTS

The questionnaire consists of a total of 30 items, distributed in 4 subscales: 1. Factor 1: consequences (11 items); 2. Factor 2: associated risks (7 items); 3. Factor 3: transmission of infections (6 items); and 4. Factor 4: origins of transplantation (6 items). This structure presents a total explained variance of 61.18%. The internal consistency of each factor was as follows: α1 = 0.91; α2 = 0.92; α3 = 0.89; and α4 = 0.72. The analysis of items and internal consistency supported the 4 factors' composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimensions analyzed in the PCID-XENOTx-Ríos questionnaire of attitudes toward organ and tissue xenotransplantation show a good fit in relation to their factorial validity and internal consistency values.

Attitude of the Citizens of Havana, Cuba, Toward Organ Donation: A Multivariate Analysis of the Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude

INTRODUCTION

Because personal decisions affect the availability of organs for transplants, awareness about organ donations among the general population is fundamental.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze attitudes toward organ donation among the citizens of Havana, Cuba.

METHODS

The sample population was the residents of the city of Havana, Cuba. The inclusion criterion was being older than 15 years; the sample was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects of organ donation and transplant (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out.

RESULTS

A sample of 920 respondents was included in the study. Attitude toward cadaveric donation was favorable in 68% of respondents, while 14% were against and 18% were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables continue to feature as independent variables (P <  .05): 1. level of studies; 2. knowledge of the concept of brain death; 3. attitude toward organ donation of a relative; 4. having discussed the issue of organ donation and transplantation with one's family; 5. the attitude of the couple toward organ donation and transplantation; 6. the religion of the respondent; 7. knowing the opinion of one's religion toward organ transplantation; 8. fear of manipulation of the body after death; and 9. acceptance of burial as a treatment of the body after the death.

CONCLUSIONS

The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the residents of Havana is favorable and similar to that of the citizens of Spain. Improving the organ procurement system will increase donation rates given the population's awareness of the issue.

Do Spanish Medical Students Understand the Concept of Brain Death?

Objective:

To analyze the level of understanding of the brain death concept among medical students in universities in Spain.

Methods:

This cross-sectional sociological, interdisciplinary, and multicenter study was performed on 9598 medical students in Spain. The sample was stratified by geographical area and academic year. A previously validated self-reported measure of brain death knowledge (questionnaire Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante sobre la Donación y Transplante de Organos) was completed anonymously by students.

Results:

Respondents completed 9275 surveys for a completion rate of 95.7%. Of those, 67% (n = 6190) of the respondents understood the brain death concept. Of the rest, 28% (n = 2652) did not know what it meant, and the remaining 5% (n = 433) believed that it did not mean that the patient was dead. The variables related to a correct understanding of the concept were: (1) being older ( P < .001), (2) studying at a public university ( P < .001), (3) year of medical school ( P < .001), (4) studying at one of the universities in the south of Spain ( P = .003), (5) having discussed donation and transplantation with the family ( P < .001), (6) having spoken to friends about the matter ( P < .001), (7) a partner’s favorable attitude toward donation and transplantation ( P < .001), and (8) religious beliefs ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Sixty-seven percent of medical students know the concept of brain death, and knowledge improved as they advanced in their degree.

Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death Among the Latin-American Population Residing in Spain

OBJECTIVES

The knowledge of brain death is fundamental for being able to understand the organ donation process and for ensuring its acceptance or rejection. Here, we analyzed the level of knowledge of the concept of brain death among Latin-American individuals who are residents of Spain to determine the factors affecting this knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our patient group was a sample of 1314 Latin-American residents of Spain, obtained randomly and stratified according to the respondent's nationality, age, and sex. Their attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously.

RESULTS

The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (n = 1237). Of total respondents, 25% (n = 313) knew the concept of brain death, which they considered to be an individual's death, 56% (n = 697) did not know the term, and 19% (n = 227) believed that it did not mean death. The variables related to knowledge of the brain death concept included (1) country of origin, with a better knowledge among those with Mexican nationality (P < .001); (2) male sex (30% vs 23%; P = .003); (3) having university-level education (35% vs 23%; P = .044); (4) having discussed the matter within the family (29% vs 23%; P = .044); (5) having a partner with a favorable attitude toward donation (39% vs 21%; P = .001); and (6) the respondent's religion (47% vs 7%; P < .001). The following factors persisted in the multivariate analysis: country of origin (odds ratio of 2.972), sex (odds ratio of 1.416), education level (odds ratio of 2.228), attitude of the respondent's partner (odds ratio of 1.835), and religion (odds ratio of 4.490).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the concept of brain death is limited among Latin-American residents of Spain, with marked differences among country of origin and other socio-personal factors.

The influence of beliefs on organ donation intention

Purpose

Recent technological developments in healthcare have enabled an increased number of organ transplantation surgeries. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of people awaiting organ transplant, coupled with the difficulty in donation. To bridge this gap, this study aims to propose to evaluate the effect of three types of beliefs (clinical beliefs, financial incentive beliefs and beliefs on the social benefits of altruism and solidarity) on the intention to donate organs. Moreover, this paper uses the attitudes in relation to donation to explain the effect of these beliefs on the intention to donate organs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a survey of 422 Brazilian participants and a mediation analysis to test the mediation hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that the effect of three types of beliefs (clinical, economic order and social solidarity) influence the intention to donate organs indirectly through the formation of attitudes concerning organ donation.

Research limitations/implications

This article contributes to the understanding of the formation of organ donation intentions and the role of different types of beliefs in the formation of such intentions.

Originality/value

The findings extend the discussions regarding the role of beliefs in the formation of attitudes and intentions of organ donation and have significant value in creating public policies that further promote organ donation.

Organ Donation: What Are the Opinions of Nursing Students at the University of Bialystok in Poland?

BACKGROUND

Nursing students, as future professionals, have an enormous impact on the opinion of the rest of the population on topics of organ donation and transplantation (ODT). The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes of nursing students at the University of Bialystok toward ODT, and to determine the factors that affect ithemt.

METHODS

Academic year 2011-2012.

STUDY POPULATION

nursing students at the University of Bialystok. Type of sampling: sampling points during 5 compulsory-attendance nursing courses with >80% fulfillment. Measuring instrument: validated questionnaire (PCID-ODT Rios) filled out anonymously and self-administered.

RESULTS

Completion rate of 90% (331/367): 58% (n = 191) in favor, 35% (n = 118) undecided, and 7% (n = 22) against. The most important variables were: being in the 1st year (odds ratio [OR], 4.444; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.627-1.700; P = .002); not knowing any donor (OR, 12.048; 95% CI, 55.555-2.57; P = .018); being in favor of organ donation by a relative (OR, 6.25; 95% CI, 14.705-2.666; P < .001); discussing the topic with friends (OR, 2,785; 95% CI, 5.347-1.447; P = .002); not worried about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (OR, 3.039; 95% CI, 5.882-1.569; P = .001); favorable attitude toward ODT of mother (OR, 3.676 (0.881-1.814; P < .001); accepting other treatment options, such as inhumation (OR, 3.436; 95% CI, 7.092-1.655; P = .001); accepting autopsy after death (OR, 2.141; 95% CI, 4.065-1.126; P = .020); and professing the Catholic religion (OR, 3.436; 95% CI, 8.333-1.410; P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

More than 42% of the nursing students were not in favor of organ donation, their attitudes influenced by various psychosocial factors.

Transcendental Spirituality and Acquaintance With the Activities of the Domestic National Transplant Center as Factors Shaping Attitudes Toward Organ Donation

Context:

Organ donation has been shown to be perceived as inappropriate by religiously observant individuals. The impact of spirituality level on attitudes toward organ donation has not been broadly explored.

Objective:

To explore the contribution of ethnicity, spirituality, level of religious observance, and acquaintance with the activities of the Israel National Transplant Center (INTC) to forming attitudes toward organ donation among Jews and Muslim Arabs in Israel.

Design:

A descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Participants:

Three hundred five (65.2%) Jewish and 163 (34.8%) Muslim Arab respondents living in Israel.

Results:

Jewish respondents had more positive attitudes toward organ donation than Muslim Arabs. Muslim Arabs had a higher mean spirituality score than Jews. Gender, age, ethnicity, level of religious observance, education, 4 spirituality dimensions, and acquaintance with the activities of the INTC explained 41.5% of the variance in attitudes to organ donation. Transcendental spirituality, acquaintance with the activities of the INTC, and level of religious observance had the highest contribution to explaining attitudes to organ donation, while gender and age had a low contribution. Ethnicity, education, and the 3 other spirituality dimensions were not found to have a significant contribution.

Conclusion:

A multifaceted approach to improving attitudes toward organ donation among Jews and Muslim Arabs in Israel is important.

Willingness of human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients to donate their organs for transplantation in Taiwan: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey

BACKGROUND

With the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) that has significantly improved survival, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients may be potential organ donors to HIV-positive recipients in a few countries. Organ shortage remains a challenge for organ transplantation in Taiwan, where organ donation by HIV-positive patients remains prohibited by law.

METHODS

We assessed the willingness of organ donation (should they be pronounced brain dead, and the ban on HIV-positive organ donation be lifted) among HIV-positive patients who received regular HIV care at a university hospital in a cross-sectional survey between May and August 2015 with the use of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire interview.

RESULTS

Of the 1010 participants, 93.7% were receiving cART with the latest mean CD4 count and plasma HIV RNA load of 587 cells/mm³ and 2.73 log₁₀ copies/mL, respectively. Overall, 71.9% were willing to donate organs. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with willingness to donate organs included college or graduate school diploma (odds ratio [OR] 1.571, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.166-2.191), registered willingness to donate in the National Health Insurance system (OR 9.430, 95% CI 1.269-70.051), and knowledge of the information on HIV-positive deceased donors (HIVDD) (OR 1.673, 95% CI 1.073-2.608).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that a significant proportion (71.9%) of HIV-positive Taiwanese patients were willing to donate their organs. The willingness was associated with a higher education level, prior registered willingness to donate organs, and awareness of HIVDD.

Knowledge of the Concept of Encephalic Death: Is This an Obstacle in the Acceptance of Donation and Transplantation of Organs Among Students of Nursing at the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland?

BACKGROUND

The knowledge and acceptance of the concept of brain death among future health professionals is essential. The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge of the concept of brain death among nursing students at the Medical University of Warsaw and determine the factors that affect it.

METHODS

Academic year 2011-2012, nursing students of the University of Poland. Sampling points in 5 compulsory-attendance nursing courses with a completion rate >80%. Validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Rios), anonymous and self-administered.

RESULTS

The completion rate was 96% (793/828); 71% (n = 561) knew the concept of brain death, 22% (n = 178) did not know it, and 7% (n = 54) did not know that it implies the death of the patient. Variables related to the correct knowledge: 1) to be studying in 4th year compared with 1st year (85% vs 60%; P ≤ .001); 2) discuss the subject with family (76% vs 61%; P ≤ .001); 3) discuss with friends (73% vs 63%; P = .009); and 4) having a favorable attitude toward organ donation (74% vs 65%; P = .011). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that remained independent were studying in 4th year (odds ratio [OR], 3.809; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.006-5.823; P ≤ .001) and discussed with family concerning donation and transplantation (OR, 1.718; 95% CI, 1.241-2.381; P ≤ .001).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of the nursing students were unfamiliar with the concept of brain death.

Donate a Piece of Liver: Is This an Option Accepted by Future Nurses of Pomeranian Medical University in Poland?

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation from living donors (LLD) has become a viable and important source of liver grafts. The objective of this study was to analyze the attitude of nursing students at the Pomeranian Medical University in Poland on donation of live liver, and to determine the factors that affect it.

METHODS

Academic year 2011-2012, nursing students at a university in Poland, sampling points in 5 compulsory-attendance nursing courses with a completion rate of 80%, validated questionnaire (PCID-DVH Rios) filled out anonymously and self-administered.

RESULTS

The completion rate was 89% (227/254). Of the 227 students surveyed, 92% (n = 209) were in favor, 6% (n = 14) undecided, and 2% (n = 4) against. When the LLD is not related, 44% (n = 100) of respondents would be in favor. With a positive attitude toward this type of donation, we associated the following variables: 1) age, with the youngest showing a more favorable attitude (P = .006); 2) attitude in favor of living kidney donation (98% vs 85%; odds ratio, 4.950; 95% confidence interval, 9.259-2.652; P = .002); 3) attitude in favor of accepting a family LLD (96% vs 81%; P = .003); 4) discussing donation and transplantation with family (95% vs 87%; P = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

Ninety-two percent of nursing students at the Pomeranian Medical University in Poland were in favor of live organ donation, an attitude conditioned by various psychosocial factors.

Acceptance of living liver donation among medical students: A multicenter stratified study from Spain

AIM: To analyze the attitude of Spanish medical students toward living liver donation (LLD) and to establish which factors have an influence on this attitude.

METHODS: Study type: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicenter and observational study. Study population: Medical students enrolled in Spain (n = 34000) in the university academic year 2010-2011. Sample size: A sample of 9598 students stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument used to measure attitude: A validated questionnaire (PCID-DVH RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. Data collection procedure: Randomly selected medical schools. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions. Statistical analysis: Student´s t test, χ² test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: The completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9275). 89% (n = 8258) were in favor of related LLD, and 32% (n = 2937) supported unrelated LLD. The following variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude: (1) age (P = 0.008); (2) sex (P < 0.001); (3) academic year (P < 0.001); (4) geographical area (P = 0.013); (5) believing in the possibility of needing a transplant oneself in the future (P < 0.001); (6) attitude toward deceased donation (P < 0.001); (7) attitude toward living kidney donation (P < 0.001); (8) acceptance of a donated liver segment from a family member if one were needed (P < 0.001); (9) having discussed the subject with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); (10) a partner's opinion about the subject (P < 0.001); (11) carrying out activities of an altruistic nature; and (12) fear of the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Spanish medical students have a favorable attitude toward LLD.

Brain Death: Is It a Misunderstood Concept Among Nursing Students in the South of Poland?

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present study was to analyze the knowledge and acceptance of the brain death (BD) concept among nursing students.

METHODS

The study was undertaken in the academic year of 2011 to 2012 in nursing students from the University of the South of Poland. The sample was carried out in compulsory sessions, in the 5 years of the nursing degree study, with a completion rate of 80%. The questionnaire was validated (PCID-DTO Ríos), self-administered, and completed anonymously.

RESULTS

The completion rate was 93% (492 of 530). Of the students surveyed, 75% (n = 369) knew the concept of BD and considered it to mean a person's death. Of the rest, 19% (n = 93) did not know it, and the remaining 6% (n = 30) believed that it did not mean that a person was dead. The following variables were significantly related with the correct knowledge of the BD concept: 1) age (22 ± 2 years; P ≤ .001); 2) academic year (P ≤ .001); 3) discussion with friends about organ donation and transplantation (ODT) (P = .035); 4) partner's favorable attitude toward donation and transplantation (P = .009); and 5) being Catholic (P = .031). In the multivariate analysis, the following variables persisted as independent variables related to the BD concept: a) age [OR = 1.468 (1.247-1.697); P ≤ .001] and b) partner's opinion of ODT [OR = 2.248 (1.255-4.025); P = .006]. No association was found with attitude toward ODT.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 25% of the students from the Jagiellonian University of Kraków did not know or accept the concept of brain death.

Dominicans Resident in Spain and the United States Faced With Deceased Organ Donation

BACKGROUND

Investigating the attitude of subgroups of populations living in different countries is useful for establishing whether there are differences in opinion in terms of place of residence. The objective of the study was to analyze attitudes toward deceased organ donation in the population from the Dominican Republic who are residing in the southeast of the United States and Spain.

METHODS

A sample was taken of residents of the population from the Dominican Republic residing in Florida (the United States) (n = 63) and in Spain (n = 80), which was stratified by age and sex. A validated questionnaire about psychosocial aspects (PCID-DTO Rios) was self-administered and completed anonymously: the χ(2) test, Student t test, and logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

The completion rate was 86% (123 respondents of the 143 selected). Of those surveyed, 54% were in favor, 23% were against, and 23% were undecided. Of the residents in Spain (n = 57) 63% (n = 36) were in favor, 12% (n = 7) were against, and 25% (n = 14) were undecided. Of the residents in the United States (n = 66) 46% (n = 30) were in favor, 33% (n = 22) were against, and 21% (n = 14) were undecided (P < .001). The following factors were found to be associated with attitude: 1) level of education [OR = 12.195 (52.631-2.808); P = .001]; 2) concern about the possible mutilation of the body after donation [OR = 11.363 (47.619-2.695; P = .001]; and 3) rejection of cremation or burial of the body after death [OR = 6.134 (21.276-1.763); P = .004].

CONCLUSIONS

Attitude toward the donation of the respondent's own deceased organs after death was more favorable among Dominican residents in Spain compared with those living in the United States.