Attitude Toward Living Kidney Donation: Differences Between Students From Two Spanish Universities

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 10 - 12
• Main Authors: Martínez-Alarcón, L, Ramis, G, Gómez-Laguna, J, Quereda, J.J, Herrero-Medrano, J.M, Mrowiec, A, Mendonça, L, López-Navas, A, Ríos, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 2015
• Subjects: Adult; Animal Breeding and Genetics; Animal Breeding and Genomics; Attitude; Education, Veterinary; Family; Female; Fokkerij en Genetica; Fokkerij en Genomica; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Leerstoelgroep Fokkerij en genetica; Living Donors; Male; Nephrectomy; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Public Opinion; Spain; Students, Health Occupations - psychology; Surgery; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tissue and Organ Harvesting; Tissue and Organ Procurement; Universities; Veterinary Medicine; Spain
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2014.12.002

Abstract Introduction Due to the current deficit of organs for transplantation, living kidney related donations (LKRD) should be promoted. Veterinarians often hold decision-making positions in the public health care system, and therefore can influence public opinion about organ donation. The objective was to analyze the attitude of Spanish veterinary students toward LKRD because they may influence public opinion in the future, and to determine the factors that condition it. Materials and Methods The study was carried out among fifth-year veterinary science students from 2 southern and southeastern Spanish universities. The students' attitude toward LKRD was assessed using a psychosocial, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Statistics used were χ2 test and Student t test. Results Data from the southern Spain university included a response rate of 87%. The survey showed that 94% of respondents would donate a kidney to a relative who needed it. This attitude toward LKRD was more favorable in women ( P  < .001) and in those who had discussed the subject with their families ( P  = .003). Nevertheless, only 58% would accept a kidney from a family member. Data from the southeastern Spain university included a response rate of 97%: 97% of the respondents would donate a kidney to a relative who needed it. This attitude was not associated with any psychosocial variables. However, only 58% would accept a kidney from a relative. There are no differences between the 2 universities ( P  = .879). Conclusions Although the attitude of veterinary students from southern and southeastern Spain toward LKRD was very favorable and there are no differences between them, only 58% of the students would accept an organ from a relative.