Predisposition Toward Living Liver Donation Is Low Among Relatives of Patients on the Waiting List for Transplantation in Spain

Abstract

IntroductionThe attitude toward living liver donation (LLD) among the Spanish population is mostly positive; however, the reality is that liver transplants from live donations are currently minimal. Given this situation, studies that analyze these discrepancies should be carried out. ObjectiveAnalyze the attitude toward LLD among family members of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. MethodPopulation under study. First-degree relatives of the patients included in the waiting list for liver transplantation. Inclusion criteria. 1. Have the patient's authorization for family members to participate; 2. Accept, the relative, to participate in this investigation; and 3. Be over 18 years old. Opinion survey. The attitude toward LLD is assessed through a questionnaire on psychosocial aspects. ResultsPatients who accepted family members’ participation in the study were 21 of 112, of which 9 placed restrictions on family access, and 12 authorized family members without restrictions. The participants were 1. children: 52.2% (n = 24); 2. brothers: 30.5% (n = 14); and 3. partners: 17.3% (n = 14). Finally, the authorized relatives and participants in the study were 45. Of these, only 44% (n = 20) would accept to be donors. ConclusionsThe access to the LLD of the relatives starts from the restriction and initial rejection of the patients themselves on the waiting list. The promotion of LDD is to initially sensitize patients.