Does the Attitude Toward Organ Donation Change as a Function of the Country Where People Emigrate? Study Between Uruguayan Emigrants to the United States and Spain

Abstract

IntroductionThe Uruguayan population is sensitized toward transplantation. However, it has not been studied how this awareness can change when emigrating to different countries. ObjectiveTo analyze the attitude toward cadaveric organ donation and living organ donation between the Uruguayan population residing in Florida (United States) and the Uruguayan population residing in Spain. MethodAdults born in Uruguay and residing in Florida and Spain were screened. The questionnaire “PCID—DTO Ríos” (donation of cadaveric organs) and “PCID—DVR Ríos” (living renal donation) were used. Subjects were randomly selected according to age and gender stratification. Support from Latin-American immigration associations in Spain and Florida was needed. The survey was anonymized and self-administered. Verbal consent was obtained to collaborate in the study. ResultsBecause the emigrant population to Spain is far larger than the emigrant population to the United States, a 2:1 proportional sampling was performed (n = 132). Sixty-seven percent of residents in Spain were in favor of organ donation at the time of death compared with 50% among residents in Florida (P = .082), and 100% of residents in Spain were in favor of living renal donation compared with 50% of those living in Florida (P < .001). ConclusionsThe attitude toward donation is more favorable among Uruguayan emigrants to Spain than emigrants to the United States, especially in related kidney donation.