Comparing organ donor attitudes between immigrant and native population: implication for Spanish donation promotion policies

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Organ transplantation depends currently of the availability of human donations. In consequence, the study of population attitudes towards donation represents an important basis for organ procurement and transplantation policies. Considering the relevance of the migratory processes in western societies, this study aims to compare attitudes towards organ donation after death between immigrant population and native population in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Correlational study. Sty integrated both stratified random sample of resident immigrant population in Spain (n=1202 subjects, estimated error= +/- 2.88%, p=q, p<.05) and stratified random sample of Spanish population (N = 1206, estimated error  2.87%, p=q, p < .05). C.A.P.D. Questionnare was applied (validated by Martin et al., 1995). Considered variables were disposition towards own organ donation, disposition toward deceased relatives’ donation in different situations, arguments against donation, socio-demographic indicators, religious beliefs, social integration, and information about organ donation and transplantation. Analysis: descriptive, bivariate and logistic analysis regression (LRA) were performed, using origin (Spanish/immigrant) as grouping variable. FINDINGS: Both samples yield different psychosocial patterns. Most relevant variables emerging from LRA evidenced that immigrant population has lower donors ratio (stβ=2,13; p>0,001), give higher influence to family on donation consent (stβ=1,53, p<0,05), has a higher percent of undecided and opposed subjects in relation to donation (stβ=1,70, p<0,01) and tend to decide more negatively in different situations of potential organ donation (stβ=1,62, p<0,01). DISCUSSION: Evidence suggest that specific actions targeting organ donation promotion within immigrant population should be designed.