Juan Flores-Medina

Are Dominicans in favor of xenotransplantation? A study of the attitude of immigrants resident in Spain and the United States

Xenotransplantation carries many social and cultural implications. The immigrant population in countries with xenotransplantation programs, such as Spain and the United States, will play an important role in accepting such therapy. The objective of the study is to analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the Dominican population residing in the United States and Spain.nnnMETHODSnThe study population was born in the Dominican Republic and resides in the southeastern United States and Spain. A sample population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward xenotransplantation (PCID-XENOTx-Ríos). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. Assistance from immigration support associations was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents.nnnRESULTSnA total of 123 respondents were included in the study: A sample was taken of residents of the population from the Dominican Republic residing in Florida, United States (nu2009=u200966), and in Spain (nu2009=u200957). If it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones, 30% would be in favor. If the results were worse, only 7% would be in favor. This favorable attitude was related to the following variables (Pu2009<u2009.05): level of education, an attitude in favor of deceased and living organ donation, and having spoken about donation and transplantation within the family.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe attitude toward xenotransplantation among the population from the Dominican Republic who are residing in the southeastern United States and Spain is unfavorable.

Are Senegalese immigrants residents in Spain in favor of organ donation

The Senegalese population is an emerging group in Europe. The number of foreign residents in Spain, France, and Italy has increased significantly. However, there are no studies that analyze their awareness of organ donation and transplantation.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze the attitude toward organ donation among the population born in Senegal residing in Spain.nnnMETHODSnThe study population was born in Senegal and resides in Spain. A sample of the population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex according to census data and immigrant support associations. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation (PCID-DTO Rios). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. Assistance from African immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously.nnnRESULTSnA sample of 295 respondents was included in the study. Attitude toward deceased donation was favorable in 37% (nxa0= 109) of respondents; 35% (nxa0= 104) were against and 28% (nxa0= 82) were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude (Pxa0< .05): sex, having discussed donation with the family, not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation, the respondents religion, and knowledge of ones partners attitude in favor of organ donation.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe attitude toward organ donation among the population born in Senegal and residing in Spain is unfavorable, and it is associated with psychosocial factors.

Level of Acceptance of Solid Organ and Tissue Xenotransplantation Among the Bolivian Population Residing in Spain

The Bolivian population is growing in Spain. Xenotransplantation of organs and/or tissues carries many social and cultural implications. It is important to find out the level of acceptance of xenotransplantation in immigrant populations, especially in populations where there are preclinical trials. The objective of the study is to analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation of organs and tissues in the Bolivian population residing in Spain and the variables that influence their attitude.nnnMETHODSnWe selected a sample of the Bolivian population living in Spain. A sample of the population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward xenotransplantation (PCID-XENOTX-Ríos).nnnRESULTSnOf the 206 respondents, 26% of respondents are in favor of xenotransplantation of organs if it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones. If the results were worse, only 6% would be in favor. The following factors were associated with this attitude: (1) level of education (Pu2009=u2009.008), (2) a favorable attitude toward human donation (Pu2009=u2009.004), (3) a partners favorable attitude toward transplantation (Pxa0< .001), and (4) a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (Pu2009=u2009.01). The following were associated with attitude in the multivariate analysis: (1) having secondary education (odds ratio,u20093.690; Pu2009=u2009.004) and (2) a partners favorable attitude toward transplantation (odds ratio,u20096.024; Pu2009=u2009.003).nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe attitude of Bolivian residents in Spain toward xenotransplantation is negative and is determined by educational and family factors.

Nigerian Residents in Spain Have Poor Awareness of Organ Donation and Transplantation

INTRODUCTIONnThe number of people of Nigerian origin in Europe is growing. However, there are no studies that have analyzed their awareness of organ donation and transplantation.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Nigerian-born population living in Spain.nnnMETHODSnThe sample population was a selection of people born in Nigeria who are now living in Spain. A sample of this cohort older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on the psychosocial attitudes toward organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people from this cohort was surveyed.nnnRESULTSnA sample of 183 respondents was included in the study. Of their attitudes toward cadaveric donation, 33% were in favor of it, 34% were against it, and 33% were undecided. The variables associated with having a more favorable attitude (Pxa0< .001) were: 1. Knowledge related to donation and transplantation; 2. attitude toward the body; 3. religion; and 4. social interaction. In the multivariate analysis, the main independent factor associated with the attitude toward organ donation was the knowledge of the concept of encephalic death. Respondents who are familiar with the concept of brain death are 10 times more likely to be in favor of donation than those who are not.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe attitude toward organ donation among the Nigerian-born population living in Spain is not very favorable and is associated with psychosocial factors. A campaign to raise awareness among Nigerian residents in Spain has become a priority.

Guinean residents in Spain are little aware about living-kidney-related donation

INTRODUCTIONnThe number of Population of Guinea residents in Spain has increased significantly; however, there are no studies that analyze their awareness of transplantation and especially living kidney donation.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation among the Spanish resident population born in Guinea.nnnMETHODSnPeople born in Guinea and residents in Spain were included in this study. A sample of population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects with respect to living kidney donation (PCID-DVR-Rios).nnnRESULTSnOf the 170 respondents, 68% of respondents are in favor of related living kidney donation. The remaining 32% were against it or undecided. The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that respondents who were in favor of cadaveric organ donation and transplantation had a probability of being in favor of living kidney donation 10 times greater than those who were not in favor, and that respondents who had collaborated in prosocial activities had a probability of being in favor of living kidney donation that was 10,638 times greater than those who have not collaborated and will not collaborate in the future.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe attitude toward related living kidney donation among the population born in Guinea and residing in Spain is not very favorable compared with studies of attitude in the European and Spanish population, and it is associated with psychosocial factors.

Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death: Is This an Obstacle in the Acceptance of Donation and Transplantation of Organs Among the Bolivian Population Residing in Spain?

INTRODUCTIONnThe Bolivian population is growing in Spain. The knowledge and acceptance of the concept of brain death are fundamental.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze the level of understanding of the brain death concept among the population of Bolivians residing in Spain.nnnMETHODSnThe study population was Bolivians living in Spain. The inclusion criteria were being older than 15 years, being born in Bolivia, and residing in Spain; participants were selected randomly from this group and stratified by age and sex. Knowledge of the concept of brain death was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation. A group of people to be surveyed was randomly selected. Assistance from immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously.nnnRESULTSnOf the 206 respondents, 27% understood brain death (BD) and believed that this was the death of an individual. Of the rest, 18% did not understand it and the remaining 55% believed it did not mean the death of a patient. Those who understood the concept of BD were more in favor of deceased donation than those who did not (52% vs 47%; Pxa0= .886). None of the sociopersonal variables analyzed is associated with knowledge of the concept of BD. A high percentage of respondents indicated fear of apparent death during organ donation.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe majority of the Bolivian population residing in Spain does not understand the concept of BD. Contrary to most psychosocial studies, it is not associated with attitudes toward organ donation or other sociopersonal factors.

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

INTRODUCTIONnImmigrants 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.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze the attitude of nationals of Ecuador residing in Spain regarding deceased organ donation.nnnMETHODSnThe 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.nnnRESULTSnAttitude 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]; Pxa0= .004); 2. being in favor of donating a family members organs (OR=8.849 [20.833-3.717]; Pxa0< .001); 3. having commented at a family level about transplant (OR=3.717 [6.578-2.109]; Pxa0< .001); 4. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (OR=4.608 [8.547-2.487]; Pxa0< .001) and 5. knowing the attitude of ones religion toward donation (OR=7.462 [34.482-1.623]; Pxa0= .010).nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe 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.

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

INTRODUCTIONnBecause personal decisions affect the availability of organs for transplants, awareness about organ donations among the general population is fundamental.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze attitudes toward organ donation among the citizens of Havana, Cuba.nnnMETHODSnThe 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.nnnRESULTSnA 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 (Pxa0<u2009 .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 ones family; 5. the attitude of the couple toward organ donation and transplantation; 6. the religion of the respondent; 7. knowing the opinion of ones 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.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe 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 populations awareness of the issue.

Psychosocial factors affecting attitude toward organ donation in Santiago of Cuba

INTRODUCTIONnAwareness 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.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Santiago, Cuba, citizens.nnnMETHODSnThe 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.nnnRESULTSnOf 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 [ORxa0= 2.386 (4.761-1.194); Pxa0= .014]; 2. being in favor of donating a family members organs [ORxa0= 3.067 (5.952-1.584); Pxa0= .001]; 3. a partners favorable attitude [ORxa0= 5.795 (1.477-22.731); Pxa0= .012]; 4. being an atheist/agnostic as the religious beliefs [ORxa0= 1.845 (3.289-1.038); Pxa0= .037]; 5. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation [ORxa0= 7.437 (2.918-18.955); Pxa0< .001]; 6. not accepting other treatment options after death, such as inhumation [ORxa0= 3.048 (5.714-1.626); Pxa0= .001].nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Santiago, Cuba population is favorable and it is associated with several psychosocial factors.

Multivariate Analysis of Factors That Influence the Attitude of the Ecuadorian Population Resident in Spain Toward Living-Related Kidney Donation

BACKGROUNDnThe Ecuadorian population is the largest Latin-American immigrant group in Spain. Currently, several Ecuadorians have received transplants or are awaiting transplants in Spain. The aim of this work was to analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation among the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain.nnnMETHODSnThe population screened were born in Ecuador, residing in Spain, and >15 years old, stratified by gender and age, and appraised with the use of the questionnaire on attitude toward organ donation for transplantation PCID-DVR-Ríos. Support from immigration associations in Spain was used to advise on the location of potential respondents. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Verbal consent was obtained. Statistics included Student t test, χ2, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression analysis.nnnRESULTSnA total of 461 respondents were included: 80% (nxa0= 367) were in favor of living-related kidney donation (for a relative or close friend). This attitude was associated with psychosocial variables that persisted in the multivariate study: 1) female gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.086; Pxa0= .001); 2) considering oneself a potential kidney receptor in the future (OR, 16.949; Pxa0= .002); 3) economic incentive in the donation (OR, 100; Pxa0= .004); and 4) knowing the attitude of their religion toward transplantation (OR, 32.258; Pxa0< .001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnLiving-related donation is accepted among the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain and is associated with sociopersonal and religious factors.