Member's Organs Research Articles

Transformative Learning Among Organ Procurement Organization Donor Family Volunteers.

Introduction: Some family members who previously made the decision to donate a family member's organs support the organ procurement organization (OPO) through volunteer work. Volunteers were asked to describe their family's organ donation story to educate the general and medical communities about organ donation. This study explored the transformative learning experienced by volunteers during and following the organ donation consent process and throughout their volunteer work. Methods/Approach: A narrative inquiry research methodology and transformative learning theoretical framework was used and 6 volunteers were recruited to participate. Two semistructured virtual interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed, radically reduced, and subjected to holistic-content and holistic-form narrative analysis. Findings: Participants experienced strong emotional responses during and after the loss of their family member, characterized as a period of disorientation, which lasted for an extended period preventing transformative learning. After the OPO contacted participants regarding the opportunity to volunteer, participants experienced a period of self-examination when they reengaged with the topic of organ donation. Critical reflection occurred through the act of storytelling about their family's organ donation story during their volunteer work. Storytelling to the community facilitated making meaning of their loss and transformations. Conclusion: Volunteering for an OPO played an important role by initiating self-examination and critical reflection of their prior assumptions. Through storytelling, participants reflected on their roles and made meaning of their organ donation experiences. The act of inviting donor families to reengage with the topic of organ donation through volunteer work fostered positive permanent meaningful transformations.

Knowledge and Willingness Toward Organ Donation Among DPT Students at Isra University (Hyderabad)

Organ donation (OD) is a complex issue involving social, legal, ethical, and medical aspects. The need for organ transplants has increased due to a rise in disorders linked to poor lifestyle choices; however, awareness and knowledge of organ donation remain extremely low, particularly among medical students. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and willingness toward organ donation among Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) students at Isra University in Hyderabad. A cross sectional study was conducted from July to September 2024, using a validated questionnaire and a sample of 100 DPT students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that 79% of DPT students were aware of organ donation. Only 12% recognized eyes and 34% identified kidneys for donation. Awareness of Pakistan's organ donation laws was noted in just 54%. Misconceptions were prevalent, with 51% believing that only living individuals could donate. While 38% expressed willingness to donate after death, only 16% would consent to the donation of a deceased family member's organs. The study concluded that significant gaps in knowledge and willingness exist among DPT students, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns tailored to cultural and religious beliefs.

Assessing the factors that influence the donation of a deceased family member's organs in an opt-out system for organ donation

RationaleFamily, and sometimes longstanding friends, have considerable influence over organ donation, through agreeing or disagreeing to the donation of a deceased individual's organs. To date, most research has been undertaken within opt-in systems. ObjectiveThis study advances on previous research by assessing next-of-kin approval under opt-out legislation. We tested whether next-of-kin approval varies when the deceased is a registered donor (opted-in), registered non-donor (opted-out) or has not registered a decision under an opt-out policy (deemed consent). We also tested if the deceased's wishes influenced next-of-kin approval through relatives anticipating regret for not donating and feelings of uncertainty. Finally, we assessed whether next-of-kin's own beliefs about organ donation influenced whether they followed the deceased's wishes. MethodsParticipants (N = 848) living in a country with opt-out legislation (Wales, UK) were asked to imagine a relative had died under an opt-out system and decided if their relatives' organs should be donated. Participants were randomly allocated to imagine the deceased had either (i) opted-in, (ii) opted-out or (iii) not registered a decision (deemed consent). The outcome variable was next-of-kin approval, with uncertainty and anticipated regret as potential mediators and next-of-kin's beliefs about organ donation as moderators. ResultsNext-of-kin approval was lower when the deceased had opted-out than under deemed consent. This was due to next-of-kin anticipating more regret for not donating under deemed consent than opt-out. Further analyses revealed the deceased's wishes influence next-of-kin approval, via anticipated regret, when next-of-kin did not hold negative beliefs about organ donation. ConclusionsThe deceased's wishes were less likely to be followed when next-of-kin had negative beliefs towards donation. Developing large-scale campaigns to improve these beliefs in the general public should make people more likely to follow the deceased's wishes. As a result, these campaigns should improve the availability of donor organs.

Organ Procurement, Donation, and Transplant Awareness in an Urban Eastern European Region: A General Population Survey.

BACKGROUND Despite significant improvements in Romania's transplantation system, actual donor numbers have paradoxically fallen, contrary to the European trend. With a donation rate of 3.44 donors per million inhabitants, Romania ranks near the bottom of European countries. This study aimed to identify several predictors of a positive attitude toward organ donation in the Romanian population that could aid in reshaping public policies to improve donation and transplantation rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included a representative Iasi population. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire focused on revealing attitudes toward organ donation, importance of consent, willingness to donate a family member's organs, and role of medical staff in the donation decision. A perception score was calculated as a methodological approach to validate attitudes toward organ donation. RESULTS Of all respondents, 55% agreed to donate their organs if declared brain-dead, while 20% opposed this idea; 72.7% considered consent necessary; 70% believed that consent must belong to the family when it comes to brain-dead organ donors; and 44.5% supported the idea of financial compensation. Higher monthly income was correlated with a positive attitude toward organ donation. CONCLUSIONS Even though the study population had a positive attitude toward organ donation, the willingness to donate was lower than in other European countries and did not translate into actual donations. The necessity of informed consent, lack of knowledge on the topic, bureaucratic aspects, and openness to financial compensation could explain the current situation of the Romanian transplantation system.

Organ Donation Willingness Among Asian Americans: Results from a National Study.

Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group in the USA, but their health disparities are often overlooked. Although their needs for transplantable organs are substantial, they have the lowest rates of organ donation per million compared to other Americans by race. To better understand Asian Americans' disposition toward organ donation, a self-administered survey was developed based on formative data collection and guidance from a Community Advisory Board composed of Asian American stakeholders. The instrument was deployed online, and quota sampling based on the 2017 American Community Survey was used to achieve a sample representative (N = 899) of the Asian American population. Bivariate tests using logistic regression and the chi-square test of independence were performed. Over half (58.1%) of respondents were willing to be organ donors. A majority (81.8%) expressed a willingness to donate a family member's organs, but enthusiasm depended on the family member's donor wishes. Only 9.5% of respondents indicated that the decision to donate their organs was theirs alone to make; the remainder would involve at least one other family member. Other key sociodemographic associations were found. This study demonstrates both the diversity of Asian Americans but also the centrality of the family's role in making decisions about organ donation. Practice and research considerations for the field are also presented.

BRAZILIAN AND ECUADORIAN SOCIAL MEDIA USERS: A STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BELIEFS TOWARD ORGAN DONATION

Several studies have stated that people's attitudes towards organ donation are influenced by factors such as knowledge, education, and religion. Many people could donate if they knew about the benefits of organ donation instead of wasting it. That is the reason that this study sets out to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward organ donation among Brazilian and Ecuadorian Social Media Users. A cross-sectional study was conducted, assessed through a self-administered, anonymous and validated survey, and distributed through social media. Four hundred and eight individuals participated in this survey, 72 (17.6%) were Brazilian, and 336 (82.4%) Ecuadorian. The participants' ages were between 18 and 59 years old; 360 (88.2%) participants were willing to donate an organ, whereas only 300 (73.5%) agreed to give their consent to donate their deceased family member's organs (p < 0.001), and 48 (11.8%) of those people were not willing to have a donor identification (p <0.001). Concerning knowledge about brain death, 320 (78.4%) will consider that the heart will continue beating and 306 (75%) affirm that people who are brain dead will remain in a coma; 359 (88%) people received information on transplants and organ donations through television, social networks, and printed newspapers. Based on the results of this research and by analyzing them, we can conclude that there is a great willingness of the studied population to become an organ donor and to receive more information on this topic.

Effects of phased education on attitudes toward organ donation and willingness to donate after brain death in an Asian country

This study aims to investigate the effects of phased education on attitudes toward organ donation and willingness to donate after brain death. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire to examine attitudes toward organ donation of the families of patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) between March 1, 2014 and September 30, 2016. Ninety-two people voluntarily participated in this survey. Before reviewing the educational material, 75.0% had a positive attitude toward organ donation, 60.9% were willing to donate their own organs, and 38.0% were willing to donate a family member's organs. After reviewing the educational material, these figures increased to 92.4%, 80.4%, and 56.5%, respectively. Before receiving an education, there was a significant difference in consistency between people's attitudes and willingness to donate their own organs, versus donating a family member's organs (79.3% vs 54.3%, p<0.001). With phased education, these percentages increased from 79.3% to 85.9% with regard to donating one's own organs, and from 54.3% to 64.1% with regard to donating a family member's organs. Phased education was effective overall, but it had a limited effect on changing the willingness to donate a family member's organs. It increased the consistency between people's attitudes toward organ donation and willingness to donate their own, or a family member's organs.

Medical Students' Attitude Toward Organ Donation: Understanding Reasons for Refusal in Order to Increase Transplantation Rates

ObjectivesTo assess, among medical students, the willingness to donate their own organs or those of a family member, and to establish reasons for refusal. Materials and MethodsDuring the 2016 academic year, an anonymous survey was conducted among University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine second-year students. ResultsOf the total 1012 respondents, 81.92% would agree to donate and 18.08% would not. Thirty two percent would not authorize donation of a family member's organ. Almost all (94.1%) students reported they had little information about organ donation. Reasons for refusal included: fears about the possibility of not being really dead when considered for organ ablation (36.4%); lack of confidence in (25.8%) or lack of information about the organ procurement and transplantation system (14.6%); no interest in organ donation (9.3%); and religious reasons (6%). Brain death was considered irreversible by 59.7% of donors and by only 51% of non-donors (P = .036). Contact with a transplanted person was more frequent in the donor group (30.9% vs 21.3%, P = .01). More donors were found among the group who discussed the subject with their families than among the group who did not (69.1% vs 62.9%, P = .053). ConclusionsA considerable percentage of medical school students would not be willing to donate their own or a family member's organs. Main reasons are mistrust of the system, lack of information about donation programs, and poor understanding of the brain death concept. Contact with an organ recipient and discussing the subject in the family both favored donation.

Multivariate Analysis of the Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among the Ecuadorian Population Residing in Spain

IntroductionImmigrants from Ecuador represent the largest group of Latin Americans in Spain and are, therefore, a subgroup of interest to understand their attitudes and influences in respect to organ donation and transplantation. ObjectiveTo analyze the attitude of nationals of Ecuador residing in Spain regarding deceased organ donation. MethodsThe study population included the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain. A sample of population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex (n=461). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). Assistance from immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advice on the location of potential respondents. ResultsAttitude toward cadaveric donation was favorable in 59% (n=271) of respondents, 12% (n=57) were against cadaveric donation, and 29% (n=133) were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables were independently associated with a more positive attitude toward organ donation: 1. level of formal education (odds ratio [OR]=6.849 [25.641–1.818]; P = .004); 2. being in favor of donating a family member's organs (OR=8.849 [20.833–3.717]; P < .001); 3. having commented at a family level about transplant (OR=3.717 [6.578–2.109]; P < .001); 4. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (OR=4.608 [8.547–2.487]; P < .001) and 5. knowing the attitude of one's religion toward donation (OR=7.462 [34.482–1.623]; P = .010). ConclusionsThe attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain is less favorable than that of the Spanish population and is determined by many different psychosocial variables.

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Santiago, Cuba

IntroductionAwareness 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. ObjectiveTo analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Santiago, Cuba, citizens. MethodsThe 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. ResultsOf 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]. ConclusionsThe attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Santiago, Cuba population is favorable and it is associated with several psychosocial factors.

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

BackgroundVeterinarians 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. MethodsThis 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. ResultsOf 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). ConclusionsSeventeen 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.

Deterrents to Organ Donation: A Multivariate Analysis of 766 Survey Respondents

Although successful on many fronts, solid organ transplantation fails patients who die on waitlists. Too few organ donors beget this failure. Dispelling misperceptions associated with donation and transplantation would expectedly increase donation and decrease waitlist mortality; recipients would also receive transplants earlier in their disease process, leading to better post-transplantation outcomes. Survey responses to 7 questions pertaining to organ donation and transplantation were analyzed to determine their association with willingness to donate. Subgroup analyses according to race, residence status (rural vs nonrural), and education level were performed. There were 766 respondents; 84.6% were willing to be a donor, 76.2% were female, 79.7% were Caucasian, and 16.5% were African-American. Having concerns about getting inadequate medical care if registered as a donor was the strongest independent predictor of willingness to donate overall (odds ratio 0.21; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.36) and in each subgroup; African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to have this concern (20.2% vs 9.5%; p< 0.001). Race (odds ratio 0.41; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.75 for African Americans) and age were also predictive overall, but less so. Willingness to donate a family member's organs depended on whether a discussion about donation had hypothetically occurred: 61.0% would donate if there had been no discussion; 95.2% would donate if the family member had said "yes" to donation; and 11.0% would donate if the family member had said "no" (p < 0.001). If there was no prior discussion, having concerns about getting less-aggressive medical care predicted willingness to donate a family member's organs (odds ratio 0.40; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.65). The strongest deterrent of willingness to donate one's own or a family member's organs is a misperception that should be correctable. Race and age are less predictive. Efforts to dispel misperceptions and increase donation remain desperately needed to improve waitlist mortality and post-transplantation outcomes.

A Multicenter Study on Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Spain and Latin America Between the Surgical Units of 12 Hospitals

IntroductionMedical advances and improvements in surgical techniques have transformed transplantation into an ever safer therapeutic option. However, its main limitation is the shortage of available organs. Therefore, it is necessary to join forces to achieve optimal deceased donation and prevent the loss of potential donors. We sought to analyze the acceptance of deceased organ donation (OD) among hospital personnel in surgical units in hospitals in Spain and Latin America. MethodA random sample (n = 554) was taken was stratified according to surgical services and job category in 12 hospitals—4 in Spain (n = 294 participants), 5 in Mexico (n = 202), 2 in Cuba (n = 41), and 1 in Costa Rica (n = 17). Attitude was assessed using a questionnaire validated, which was completed anonymously and self-administered. The χ2 test, Student t test, and a logistic regression analysis were used. ResultsOverall, 75% of respondents (n = 417) were in favor of deceased OD and 25% were against it (n = 137). Regarding the respondent's country, there was a favorable attitude among 88% of Cubans, 85% of Mexicans, 82% of Costa Ricans, and 67% of Spaniards (P < .001). The physicians were most in favor of OD with 87% supporting it (n = 149), followed by nurses (n = 182) and ancillary personnel (n = 28) both at 74%, and the health care assistants at 59% (n = 58; P < .001). The following factors affect attitude toward OD: young age (37 ± 10 years; P = .001), being a male (P = .018), having an unstable job situation (P = .009), a belief that one might need a future transplant (P = .036), having a favorable attitude toward living donation (P < .001), being in favor of donating a family member's organs (P < .001), having had a family discussion about OD (P < .001), and a partner's favorable attitude (P < .001). ConclusionsAttitude toward OD among surgeons in hospitals in Spain and Latin America was not as favorable as we might have expected.

Factors of the Willingness to Consent to the Donation of a Deceased Family Member's Organs Among the Romanian Urban Population

ObjectivesRomania ranks near the bottom of the European hierarchy of posthumous organ donation rates. Objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to assess the willingness to donate (WTD) a family member's organs in the inhabitants of a large Romanian city (Iasi) and to analyze its factors; and (2) to determine the most important behaviors of the medical staff for our respondents in a hypothetical donation decision scenario. MethodsThe study included a representative sample of the Iasi population. The instrument addressed WTD a family member's organs, both in general and in the particular situation of knowing that the deceased had a positive attitude toward organ donation, knowledge of transplantation-related issues, endorsement of beliefs concerning organ donation, and the importance of a set of medical staff's behaviors. ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 1,034 participants, 48% (n = 496) of whom would most likely consent to donate a family member's organs, 18% (n = 191) would most likely refuse and 34% (n = 347) were unsure. The following factors were found to influence this variable: believing in the possible reversibility of brain death (P = .004); believing that body integrity should be preserved after death (P < .001); believing that part of the deceased continues to live through the organ recipients (P = .001); and being concerned about mutilation after donation (P < .001). ConclusionsThe WTD the organs of a deceased next of kin in the Iasi population, even when the deceased had positive attitudes on the matter, is lower than that reported by other studies in other European countries. It is mainly influenced by knowledge and concerns regarding the posthumous manipulation of the body. Consent in a potential donation situation also depends on the way in which the medical staff interacts with the bereaved family.

Predicting Willingness to Donate Organs According to the Demographic Characteristics of the Deceased's Family

Transplant professionals need to gain a better understanding of the factors that facilitate willingness to donate a family member's organs, in order to increase the rate of organ donation. To conduct an integrated analysis of demographic data relating to key family members, so as to help transplant professionals predict the likelihood that family members would be willing to donate organs. Demographic variables were collected on 753 brain-dead patients and 995 first-degree relatives in 20 Israeli hospitals from 2004 to 2009. The data were recorded by transplant coordinators who used a uniform format to document meetings with next of kin. The data were analyzed by using the Chaid Statistical Test from the SPSS statistical package. In this total study population, the most significant factor affecting the decision to donate was religion. With increasing religiousness, the likelihood of consent decreased. A large disparity was apparent among Moslems, Christians, and Jews. Within the religious groups, education (Jews), familial proximity to the deceased (Christians and Moslems), and the quality of relationships with the medical staff (Moslems) were the main predictors of consent. Most countries have Christian, Moslem, and Jewish residents, so the conclusions of this study and its implications for practice should be relevant for transplant coordinators anywhere. The recommendations, which stem from the results of this study, relate to activities of transplant coordinators before and during their interaction with families, before the request for organ donation.

Attitudes to cadaveric organ donation in Irish preclinical medical students

There is a worldwide shortage of organs for transplantation. It has been shown that the attitude of healthcare professionals can improve the rates of organ donation, and that educational programs aimed at improving both attitudes and knowledge base of professionals can have positive outcomes. Although there has been research carried out on this topic, there has been none in Ireland. Anatomy dissection can be a stressor to medical students-we investigate the attitudes of Irish students to organ donation and how they change with exposure to anatomy dissection. A questionnaire was administered to first year students in the School of Medicine in University College Dublin, Ireland, three times over a nine-week period at the commencement of classes in an academic year. The attitudes of the students were positive throughout regarding organ donation by a stranger, a family member, or themselves. There was, however, a significant decrease in support for the donation of a family member's organs in a minority of students. Irish students' attitudes to postmortem organ donation are positive and are not changed by exposure to the dissecting room. There is support for the donation of organs, and willingness among students to donate their own organs and support donation by family members.

Do Future Journalists Have a Favorable Attitude Toward Deceased Donation?

Introduction The information provided by future journalists is fundamental for promoting healthcare and their attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) could affect public opinion. The objective of this study was to analyze the attitude of students of journalism toward ODT and the factors affecting this attitude. Materials and Methods The subjects of this study were students doing a degree in journalism in 2005–2006 (N = 129). A self-administered questionnaire about ODT was completed anonymously. For statistical analysis we used Student t test and the χ 2 test. Results The questionnaire completion rate was 98% (n = 126). Most students (78%; n = 98) would be willing to donate their organs, although 22% (n = 28) would not. Attitude was more favourable among those respondents who knew a transplant recipient (100% vs 71%; P = .002), had a favourable attitude toward donating a family member's organs ( P = .000), and had discussed ODT within the family ( P = .000). Those who had a positive attitude toward living donation had a more favourable attitude toward deceased ODT ( P = .000 for kidney and P = .003 for liver). Most respondents (56%; n = 70) believed that the general information they received about ODT was limited and 9% (n = 11) believed that it was good. Most (83%; n = 104) had never received a talk about the subject, although 90% (n = 113) believed that receiving one would be very interesting. Conclusion Attitude toward ODT is favorable in a high percentage of students of journalism. This is positive if we want these professionals to inform society about the subject. They should be provided with clear and concise information.

International Multicenter Opinion Study: Administrative Personnel From Spanish and Mexican Health Centers Faced With Human Organ Donation for Transplantation

Introduction Administrative personnel from healthcare centers are an important opinion group given their direct relationship to patients and the general public. Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes of administrative personnel in Spanish and Mexican healthcare centers toward various kinds of donation. Material and Methods A random selection of 418 administrative staff from 32 primary care centers and 9 hospitals in Spain and Mexico (“Proyecto Donante, Murcia”) used a validated questionnaire to explore attitudes. Results Most (76%) respondents favored deceased donation. Mexican workers had the most favorable attitude ( P < .001). Factors influencing this attitude ( P < .05) were as follows: type of healthcare center, clinical service, personal experience of organ donation and transplantation (ODT), attitude toward living donation, attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs, discussion of ODT, partner's attitude toward ODT, participation in pro-social activities, and variables related to attitudes toward the body. Most respondents (89%) favored related living kidney donation (LKD) and 87% favored living liver donation (LLD). Mexican respondents showed the most favorable attitudes ( P < .05). Factors influencing this attitude ( P < .05) were as follows: personal experience of ODT, belief that a transplant is needed, willingness to accept a living organ, family discussion about ODT, partner's attitude about the matter, and respondent's awareness of the view of his or her religion toward ODT. Conclusion Attitudes toward deceased organ donation were not favorable among administrative personnel from Spanish compared with Mexican centers, although attitudes toward LKD and LLD were favorable in both countries.

Welsh Citizens in South-Eastern Spain: A Study of Attitude Toward Organ Donation

Introduction The increase in the British population, including Welsh citizens, in the south-east of Spain is generating a new social and healthcare reality that is affecting the world of transplantation. Objectives The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to determine the attitude of the local population originating from Wales toward the donation of their own organs, and (2) to analyze the factors that determine this attitude. Materials and Methods A random sample (n = 126) was selected from the population in Murcia originating from Wales (November 2005–March 2006). Attitudes were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. A control group comprised the autochthonous population (n = 2000). The sample was stratified according to age, gender, and geographical location. Results In this study 76% (n = 96) had favorable attitudes toward donation, 6% (n = 8) were against, and the remainder 18% (n = 22) were not sure. Attitudes were more favorable than among the Spanish control group (76% vs 63%; P = .045). The following variables were associated with this attitude: (1) knowledge of the concept of brain death ( P < .001); (2) having spoken within the family about the subject ( P = .005); (3) attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs ( P < .001); (4) knowing the attitude of one's religion toward donation ( P = .033); and (5) attitude of one's partner toward donation ( P < .001). Conclusion Welsh citizens who are residents in south-eastern Spain have attitudes toward organ donation that are more favorable than those of the native Spanish population. They seem to be determined by knowing the concept of brain death and positive attitudes of one's family.

Spanish and Latin American Nursing Personnel and Deceased Organ Donation: A Study of Attitude

Objective To analyze the attitude of nursing personnel about organ donation and transplantation in hospitals in Spain and Latin America, and factors that affect this attitude. Methods Data were selected from 12 hospitals and 32 primary care centers participating in an international study (Proyecto Donante, Murcia) in 4 countries including Spain (n = 650), Mexico (n = 428), Cuba (n = 89), and Costa Rica (n = 27). The sample was random and stratified by type of service among nursing personnel (n = 1194). Attitude was evaluated using a psychosocial questionnaire. Results Of nursing personnel surveyed, 77% (n = 922) were in favor of organ donation. No differences were found according to whether they were directly involved in transplantation-related services ( P < .05). Attitude in favor of organ donation varied between countries: 92% in Cuba, 85% in Costa Rica, 80% in Mexico, and 73% in Spain ( P < .001) This attitude was also related to donation of a family member's organs ( P < .001), having discussed organ donation and transplantation within the family ( P < .001), the concept of brain death ( P < .001), fear of body mutilation ( P < .001), and manipulation of the body after death ( P = .001). Conclusion Attitude toward deceased organ donation among nurses varies between countries. There is a discrepancy between those in favor vs actual donation rates in countries and work centers. These fears may become worse when donation is seen as common in daily clinical practice.