J. Sánchez

The Attitude of Future Journalists Toward Living Donation

INTRODUCTION The attitude of journalism students toward living donation (LD) could influence public opinion and help to promote this treatment option. We sought to analyze the attitude of journalism students toward LD and the factors that affect this attitude. METHODS We surveyed journalism students in the academic year 2005-2006 (N = 129). We used a validated psychosocial questionnaire (self-administered and anonymous) about organ donation and transplantation. Students were recruited in compulsory classes; the Student t-test and the chi(2) test were applied. The control group consisted of a sample of the native population (n = 2000). RESULTS The questionnaire completion rate was 98% (n = 126). Regarding related living liver donation, 75% (n = 94) would be willing to donate a liver segment; 25% (n = 31) would refuse. Only 14% (n = 18) would donate part of their liver to an unrelated person if needed, 24% (n = 30) are against, and 62% (n = 78) are undecided. For living kidney donation, 85% (n = 107) would donate a kidney to a family member; 15% (n = 19) would refuse. Only 24% (n = 31) are in favor if donation were unrelated, 17% (n = 21) against, and 59% (n = 74) have doubts. The attitude toward LD is more favorable among those who would be willing to donate their organs upon death (P = .012 for the liver and P = .000 for the kidney); those who would accept part of a liver from a family member (P = .000); or those who would accept a kidney (P = .001); or would donate a kidney to an unrelated recipient while alive (P = .001) and liver (P = .003). CONCLUSION Journalism students have a favorable attitude, which could be useful to keep society informed about the matter.

From Where Do Our Children Receive Information About Organ Donation and Transplantation

INTRODUCTION The information provided about organ donation and transplantation (ODT) affects whether it is viewed favorably or unfavorably. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the means by which each source of information about ODT influenced attitudes of children. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten secondary schools from the south-east of Spain were stratified geographically. We performed a random selection of pupils from the first 4 years of compulsory secondary range, education (age 11-15 years). A validated self-administered questionnaire about attitudes toward ODT was completed anonymously. RESULTS The adolescents had received information about ODT through several sources. The most frequent sources were television (86%), films (59%), and magazines (56%). Positive information from information sources was associated with more favorable attitudes toward ODT (P<.05); those who received negative information had more unfavorable attitudes (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Most information about ODT that reaches our children is through audiovisual means. Attitudes were more favorable among adolescents who have received positive information through the mass media, with more negative attitudes among those who received negative information.

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 members 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.

Evaluation of Attitudes Toward Living Organ Donation: A Multicenter Study of Compulsory Secondary School Education Teachers

BACKGROUND There is a considerable transplant organ deficit. To offset the organ shortage, living donation is being encouraged. Young persons form a sector of the population in whom early awareness is important to encourage favorable attitudes toward donation. Teachers play important roles in education and in generating attitudes. PURPOSE We analyzed the attitudes of secondary school teachers toward living organ donation and sought to determine the psychosocial variables that affect these attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We randomly selected Teachers from 10 secondary schools in southeastern Spain. Their attitudes toward living donation were evaluated using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered anonymously. The statistical tests were Student t test and the χ2 test. RESULTS Regarding living kidney donation, 92% of teachers were in favor of related donation, decreasing to 16% when it was not from a related individual. In contrast, regarding related donations, 7% were not in favor, and 1% undecided. Teachers who had discussed the matter with their family and friends had more favorable attitudes (P<.05). In the case of living liver donations, 91% were in favor of related donation (falling to 20% if not related), 7% were not in favor, and 2% had doubts. Attitudes were more favorable among women, teachers with children, and those who had discussed the matter with their family and friends (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Teachers had favorable attitudes toward living related kidney or liver donation. Their students would receive positive information when they request relevant information.

Attitude of Scottish Residents Living in Southeastern Spain Toward Organ Donation

BACKGROUND Southeastern Spain is a habitual area of residence for the native population of Scotland. OBJECTIVE To assess the attitude toward donation in the immigrant population in our regional community who were born in Scotland and to analyze the variables that influence this attitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS A random sample was taken (n = 350) of the population group born in Scotland and living in southeastern Spain. The instrument used to measure attitude was a previously validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously between December 2005 and March 2006. For a control group, we used a sample of the autochthonous population (n = 2000). Statistical analysis included Student t test, the chi(2) test, Fisher exact test, and logistical regression analysis. RESULTS The attitude toward donation was favorable among 73% of respondents (n = 237), with 7% (n = 22) against and 21% (n = 68) undecided. The attitude was more favorable than among the Spanish control group (73% vs 63%; P = .002). The following variables were related to this attitude: an understanding of the concept of brain death (P = .025); having discussed the matter within the family unit (P < .001); a partners attitude toward donation (P < .001); being in favor of donating a family members organs (P < .001); attitude toward cremation (P < .001); attitude toward autopsy (P = .002); and concern about mutilation after donation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The attitude of Scottish residents in southeastern Spain is more favorable than that of the Spanish population. It is mainly affected by factors related to the family and to the attitude toward manipulation of the cadaver.

Secondary School Teachers' Assessment of the Introduction of an Educational Program About Organ Donation and Transplantation

INTRODUCTION It is essential to provide information about organ donation and transplantation (ODT) to encourage school pupils to have favorable attitudes toward this matter in the future. The role of the teacher is crucial in this respect. The objective of this study was to determine acceptance by secondary school teachers of an educational program about ODT. MATERIALS AND METHODS A random sample of secondary school teachers was taken from 10 secondary schools in the southeast of Spain. A total of 288 teachers were surveyed using a questionnaire that assessed the following; (1) acceptance of the educational program; (2) who should carry it out; and (3) some psychosocial variables related to ODT. RESULTS Of the 288 secondary teachers surveyed, 283 of them responded to the acceptance of an educational program on ODT. Approximately half (54%) of the respondents believed that it would be appropriate to introduce an educational program about ODT in secondary schools, 22% believed that there were currently other more important educational considerations, 20% had doubts, and 4% believed that it would not be useful. The vast majority (71%) believed that a collaborator from the Regional Transplant Team would be the best person to carry out the program followed by any teacher (11%) or a teacher of ethics (9%). The remaining 9% were not sure. There was greater acceptance of an educational program about ODT among teachers who had a favorable attitude toward the matter (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS An educational program about ODT in secondary education was not equally accepted by all teachers. Most teachers believed that the program should be delivered by the Transplant Coordination Center rather than teachers themselves.

Xenotransplantation of cells for diabetes: is there a good acceptance rate among Spanish adolescents?

INTRODUCTION The transplantation of pancreatic islets from animals as a treatment for diabetes mellitus could help with the current diabetes problem. Considerable advances have been made in recent years, with recent publications reporting improved conditions for carrying out clinical trials using porcine islets in humans with type 1 diabetes. Our objectives were (1) to analyze the acceptance of cell xenotransplantation for diabetes among Spanish adolescents and (2) to determine the psychosocial variables that might affect their attitudes and its relationship with other types of donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Random sampling was carried out among secondary school students in Spanish Schools. All subjects completed a validated questionnaire evaluating the acceptance of pancreatic islet xenotransplantation together with psychosocial aspects. Questionnaire completion was anonymous and self-administered. Student t test and the chi-square test were used for statistics. RESULTS The total number of respondents surveyed was 3633, and the mean age of the respondents was 11 ± 18 years. Most of the respondents (62%; n = 2195) would accept cells of animal origin if they suffered diabetes, 28% (n = 1005) were unsure, and 10% (n = 340) were against xenotransplantation. There is no connection with sex, age/year of study, or country. A high level of acceptance of animal cells was found among those who had a favorable attitude toward deceased organ donation and the xenotransplantation of solid organs and animal tissues (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Among Spanish adolescents, there was a good level of acceptance of the idea of using animal cells as a treatment for diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it would be beneficial to increase the information provided about these matters in secondary education to improve awareness further, as part of the general human organ donation and transplantation promotion campaigns.

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 members organs (P<.001); (4) knowing the attitude of ones religion toward donation (P=.033); and (5) attitude of ones 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 ones family.

The Attitude of Scottish Citizens to Xenotransplantation in the South East of Spain: An Emerging Population Subgroup

INTRODUCTION It is important to discover whether xenotransplantation would be accepted in society. In populations where there are preclinical projects there is the possibility of xenotransplantation to humans. In the South East of Spain in recent years there has been a significant social change, due to the migratory influx, which is making it necessary to reconsider the level of acceptance of xenotransplantation. The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes of and to determine relevant variables among the population from southeastern Spain who were born in Scotland. METHOD A random sample of the population from the South East of Spain that was born in Scotland. (n = 350) answered a questionnaire with categories validated for our geographical area. The self-administered survey was completed anonymously between November 2005 and March 2006. The statistical analysis employed Students t-test, the chi(2) test, and Fishers exact test. RESULTS The questionnaire completion rate was 93% (n = 325). Assuming the results were comparable with those obtained using human organs, most respondents (67%) favored xenotransplantation with 8% against and 25% undecided. With regard to xenotransplantation, if the results were worse than those achieved using human organs, 26% (n = 83) would be in favor, 55% (n = 178) undecided, and the remaining 19% (n = 62) against these procedures. The attitude was related to belonging to the male gender (P < .001), marital status (P = .008), level of education (P = .041), a partners favorable attitude toward transplantation (P < .001), and a favorable attitude toward organ donation, either from a deceased (P = .001) or a living (P < .001) donor. CONCLUSION The attitudes of Scottish residents in southeastern Spain were similar to those of the native Spanish population and determined by many psychosocial factors, mainly related to previous attitudes toward various types of human organ donation.

Evaluation of the Law of Presumed Consent After Brain Death by Spanish Journalism Students

INTRODUCTION Information provided by journalists is crucial to create a climate of social opinion. This is important in organ donation and transplantation (ODT), wherein the participation of the general public is essential to obtain organs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of students taking a degree in journalism about the concept of brain death and the law of presumed consent. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved 129 journalism degree students in the 2005-2006 academic year from a university in the south-east of Spain. Attitudes on the psychosocial aspects of ODT were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. The self-administered survey was completed anonymously in classes and compulsory practical sessions. RESULTS The questionnaire completion rate was 98% (n=126). Of the students surveyed, 43% (n=54) understood the concept of brain death, 44% (n=56) stated that they had doubts, whereas 13% (n=16) believed that a person with brain death can recover and lead a normal life. Their knowledge was more accurate in the final than in the first year (54% vs 47%; P=.016). Most students 66% (n=83) believed that it would be interesting to receive an informative talk about ODT. Concerning legislation, 75% of students were against the law of presumed consent, whereas 25% were in favor. CONCLUSION More than 50% of journalism students do not understand the concept of brain death. Furthermore, up to 75% do not accept the law of presumed consent that donation must be made.