International Population Study in Spain, Cuba, and the United States of Attitudes Toward Organ Donation Among the Cuban Population.

Cuban immigrants constitute an important group in both the United States and Spain, with different behaviors toward organ donation having been described among the different Latin American nationalities. We analyzed the attitude toward organ donation among the Cuban populations in Cuba, Spain, and Florida. The study population was Cuban immigrants over 15 years of age residing in Cuba, Spain, and Florida, with samples randomly stratified by age and sex. A validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects of organ donation (PCID-DTO Rios) was used. Census was used as the sampling base in all 3 countries; however, additionally, in Spain and the United States (Florida), we sought the support of immigration support associations to determine the Cuban population without legal documentation. The questionnaire was completed anonymously and self-administered. The completion rate of the study was 74% (4123/5574) among 424 surveyed in Spain, 1224 in Florida, and 2475 in Cuba. The attitude in favor of donating their own organs upon death was 60.6% of those surveyed in Spain, 37.6% in Florida, and 68.9% in Cuba, or 58% of the global sample. Multivariate analysis showed that country of residence was an independent factor associated with attitude toward organ donation (odds ratio, 1.929). Other factors associated with attitude were sex, educational level, performance of prosocial activities, knowledge of the brain death concept, religion, the couple's opinion toward donation, fear of mutilation after donation, and attitude toward manipulation of the body after death. The attitude toward organ donation among Cubans in their country of origin and immigrants in Spain was similar, being significantly different from those who emigrate to Florida, where the attitude is much less favorable.

Usefulness of an organ donation opinion survey as a tool to promote organ donation among the adolescent population.

Opinion surveys on health issues are considered health promotion tools. However, no studies have confirmed this in deceased organ donation for transplantation. This study aimed to analyse the impact of completing an opinion questionnaire about deceased organ donation on the attitude towards organ donation among the adolescent population. This longitudinal study with repeated measurements of attitude towards deceased organ donation was conducted with an adolescent population. The measurement instrument was a validated questionnaire of the attitude towards organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). The study process involved the application of the questionnaire at an initial time, 1 month later, and 6 months later. A total of 1374 adolescents participated in this study. The favourable attitude towards donation was 43.1%, which fell to 41.4% at 1 month (P = 0.145), and to 39.7% at 6 months (P = 0.019). Changes in the attitude were observed in all groups, both 1 and 6 months after the questionnaire was completed. There was no objective relationship between the adolescent's socio-family environment and the effect of completing the questionnaire on their attitude towards deceased organ donation. In conclusion, the opinion questionnaire was not useful for promoting organ donation and did not have a positive effect on adolescents' attitudes towards organ donation in the medium or long term.

Establishing consensus on the perioperative management of cholecystectomy in public hospitals: a Delphi study with an expert panel in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Several guidelines have put forward recommendations about the perioperative process of cholecystectomy. Despite the recommendations, controversy remains concerning several topics, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to develop uniform recommendations for perioperative practices in cholecystectomy in Mexico to standardize this process and save public health system resources. METHODS: A modified Delphi method was used. An expert panel of 23 surgeons anonymously completed two rounds of responses to a 29-item questionnaire with 110 possible answers. The consensus was assessed using the percentage of responders agreeing on each question. RESULTS: From the 29 questions, the study generated 27 recommendations based on 20 (69.0%) questions reaching consensus, one that was considered uncertain (3.4%), and six (20.7%) items that remained open questions. In two (6.9%) cases, no consensus was reached, and no recommendation could be made. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides recommendations for the perioperative management of cholecystectomy in public hospitals in Mexico. As a guide for public institutions in low- and middle-income countries, the study identifies recommendations for perioperative tests and evaluations, perioperative decision making, postoperative interventions and institutional investment, that might ensure the safe practice of cholecystectomy and contribute to conserving resources.

Renal transplantation recipient patients survival.

INTRODUCTION: The Bajío High Specialty Regional Hospital started operating in 2007 to tackle the health demands of 5.8 million inhabitants. It has 184 beds and a transplant unit with 26 beds. In 2008, the renal transplant program launched activities. OBJECTIVE: To describe the survival of kidney transplant receptor patients and of the grafted kidney at the Bajío High Specialty Regional Hospital. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, where consecutive transplants carried out between 2008 and 2016 were included. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 837 transplants were analyzed. Graft survival censored for death, with a functional graft at 1 and 5 years, was 94.6% and 78.9%. Patient survival at 1 and 5 years was 95.4% and 88.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The renal transplant program is one of the the best programs established in Mexico, both for the number of deceased-donor kidney transplants performed and for the patient and graft survival achieved. These data indicate that the renal transplant program has had a sustained development.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío inició sus funciones en 2007 para atender la demanda de salud de 5.8 millones de habitantes, cuenta con 184 camas y una unidad de trasplantes con 26 camas. En 2008 inició actividades el programa de trasplante renal. OBJETIVO: Presentar la supervivencia de los pacientes receptores de trasplante renal y del riñón injertado en el Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío, Guanajuato, México. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron los trasplantes consecutivos realizados entre 2008 y 2016. El análisis estadístico se efectuó con el método de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 837 trasplantes. La supervivencia del injerto censurada para muerte con injerto funcional a uno y cinco años fue de 94.6 y 78.9 %. La supervivencia del paciente a uno y cinco años fue de 95.4 y 88.1 %. CONCLUSIONES: El programa de trasplante renal constituye uno de los mejor establecidos en México, tanto por el número de trasplantes renales de donante fallecido realizados como por la supervivencia obtenida de paciente e injerto. Los datos indican que el programa de trasplante renal ha tenido un desarrollo sostenido.

Flow mediated vasodilation compared with carotid intima media thickness in the evaluation of early cardiovascular damage in menopausal women and the influence of biological and psychosocial factors.

BACKGROUND: Women after menopause increase risk for cardiovascular disease and several factors may be related. The purpose was to study biological and psychosocial factors associated with early cardiovascular damage in pre- and postmenopausal women, assessed with carotid intima-media thickness vs flow-mediated dilatation. METHODS: Women 45 to 57 years old were grouped in the pre- (n = 60), early (n = 58) and late post-menopause (n = 59). Anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal data were registered, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, submission, perceived stress, and sleep alterations. Heart Rate Variability was recorded to obtain the information regarding sympathovagal balance. Carotid intima-media thickness and flow-mediated dilatation were assessed by ultrasound. Two-way ANOVA and multiple regression model were used. RESULTS: At late postmenopause, the carotid intima-media was thicker (p < 0.001) and flow-mediated dilatation decreased (p < 0.001). Carotid intima-media thickness was associated positively with age (p < 0.001), submission score (p = 0.029), follicle stimulating hormone levels (p < 0.001), and body mass index (p = 0.009). Flow-mediated dilatation was associated only with age (p < 0.001). Regarding heart rate variability, the time domain pNN50 measurement was higher in premenopausal women (p = 0.001), Low Frequency (LF) was higher in the two groups of postmenopausal (p = 0.001) and High Frequency (HF) higher in the early postmenopausal women (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Under our conditions carotid intima-media thickness had higher predictive value for early cardiovascular damage at menopause. The finding of the association of the submission score, indicates de influence of stress on vascular damage.

The attitude of Latin American immigrants in Florida (USA) towards deceased organ donation - a cross section cohort study.

The Latin American (LA) population resident in the USA is a growing subgroup of the population. To find out the structure of attitude towards organ donation in the LA population resident in Florida (USA). A sample was taken of LA residents in Florida, randomized and stratified by nationality, age and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Rios) that was self-completed anonymously. The survey completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). Attitude was favourable in 33% of respondents (n = 485), against in 40% (n = 575) and undecided in 27% (n = 390). The following variables were associated with a favourable attitude: country of origin (Dominican Republic; P = 0.038); sex (female; P < 0.001); marital status (married; P < 0.001); level of education (university; P < 0.001); previous experience of the subject (P < 0.001); considering the need for a transplant in the future (P < 0.001); understanding the concept of brain death (P = 0.003); attitude towards donating a family member's organs (P < 0.001); having discussed organ donation and transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) or with one's partner (P < 0.001); participation in pro-social type activities (P < 0.001); the respondent's religion (atheist-agnostic; P < 0.001); a respondent's knowledge of the attitude of his or her religion towards organ donation (P < 0.001); no concern about mutilation after donation (P < 0.001); acceptance of cremation (P < 0.001); burial (P < 0.001); and an autopsy if one were needed (P < 0.001). The attitude towards donation of LA in Florida is worse than that reported in the native population and is associated with certain psychosocial factors.

The Latin American population in Spain and organ donation. Attitude toward deceased organ donation and organ donation rates.

UNLABELLED: The Latin American (LA) population has similarities with the Spanish population which makes its integration into Spanish society easier. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Latin American citizens residing in Spain, to determine the psychosocial variables which affect this attitude, and to examine the correlation between donation rates of LA citizens in Spain and in their countries of origin. A random sample of LA residents in Spain was taken and stratified according to the respondent's nationality (n = 1.314), in the year 2010. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Dr Rios). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test, the χ(2) test, and logistic regression analysis. There was a 94% completion rate (n = 1.237). Attitude toward donation was favorable in 60% of cases (n = 745), 12% (n = 145) were against, and 28% (n = 347) were undecided. The following variables were associated with attitude toward donation: sex (P = 0.038), level of formal education (P < 0.001), country of origin (P = 0.002), attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs (P < 0.001), having discussed donation with the family (P < 0.001), carrying out prosocial activities (P = 0.025), attitude toward cremation of the body (P < 0.001), attitude toward burial of the body (P < 0.001), attitude toward having an autopsy carried out (P < 0.001), previous experience of the organ donation and transplantation process (P < 0.001), fear of mutilation after donation (P < 0.001), knowledge that the Church has a positive attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (P < 0.001), knowledge of one's partner's attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001), and a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (P < 0.001). The donation rates in this population group in Spain are higher than those recorded in their countries of origin (55.76 vs. <10 pmp; P < 0.001). The attitude toward organ donation among LA citizens residing in Spain is slightly worse than that reported in the native Spanish population and is determined by many psychosocial factors. The donation rates of LA citizens in Spain are higher than those in their countries of origin.

[Hospital-based multicenter study in Spain, Mexico and Cuba on attitudes to living liver donation]. / Estudio multicéntrico hospitalario en España, México y Cuba de actitud hacia la donación de vivo hepática.

INTRODUCTION: Given the lack of a sufficient number of livers available for transplantation, living liver donation (LLD) is being developed in the Spanish-speaking world. To do this, it is essential that health workers in hospitals are in favor of such donation, given that they are a key component in this treatment and that their attitudes influence public opinion. OBJECTIVE: To analyze attitude toward LLD among hospital personnel from healthcare centers in Spain and Latin America. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ten hospitals were selected from the «International Donor Collaborative Project¼: 3 from Spain, 5 from Mexico and 2 from Cuba. Random sampling stratified by type of service and job category was used. Attitudes to LLD were evaluated through a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects. The questionnaire was anonymous and self-administered. Statistical tests consisted of Student's T test, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2,618 employees surveyed, 85% (n=2,231) were in favor of related LLD; of these, 31% (n=804) were in favor of unrelated LLD. No association was found between the country of the interviewed, personal-social variables or work-related variables. The following factors were associated with a favorable attitude toward related LLD donation: having had personal experience of donation and transplantation (P<.001); being in favor of deceased donation (P<.001); believing that one might need a possible transplant (P<.001); being in favor of living kidney donation (P<.001); being willing to accept a liver from a living donor (P<.001); having discussed the matter of donation and transplantation within the family (P<.001) and with one's partner (P<.001); carrying out pro-social type activities (P<.001); being Catholic (P=.040); believing that one's religion is in favor of donation and transplantation (P<.001); and not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital personnel from Spain and Latin America had a favorable attitude toward LLD, which was associated with factors directly and indirectly related to donation and transplantation, family and religious factors, and attitudes toward the body.

The attitude toward living kidney donation among personnel from units related to donation and transplantation in Spain, Mexico and Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Living kidney donation (LKD) is becoming increasingly necessary as a treatment option for reducing the deficit in transplant organs. Hospital personnel in services related to donation and transplantation play a key role in promoting this kind of donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward LKD among hospital workers in services related to donation and transplantation in Spain and Latin America. METHODS: Eight hospitals in the "International Collaborative Donor Project" were selected (Spain-Mexico-Cuba). A random sample was taken which was stratified according to the type of service and job category, in transplant-related services. RESULTS: Of the 878 respondents, 90% were in favor of related LKD, and 28% were in favor if the LKD was not related. Attitude was more favorable among Latin Americans workers compared to the Spanish (p=0.014). Other factors associated to attitude included: age (p=0.004); an attitude in favor of deceased donation and living liver donation (p<0.001); and acceptance of a kidney from a donor (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related LKD was very favorable among hospital personnel in units related to the donation and transplantation process in Spain and Latin America, which means that they could contribute to its promotion particularly at the current time when living kidney donation needs to be expanded.

Spanish-Latin American multicenter study of attitudes toward organ donation among personnel from hospital healthcare centers.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital personnel are a group which has an influence on the opinion of the rest of the population about healthcare matters. Any unfavorable attitude of this group would be an obstacle to an increase in organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude of hospital workers toward the donation of one's own organs in Spanish and Latin American hospitals and to determine the factors affecting this attitude. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eleven hospitals from the "International Collaborative Donor Project" were selected, 3 in Spain, 5 in Mexico, 2 in Cuba and one in Costa Rica. A random sample was stratified by the type of service and job category. Attitude toward donation and transplantation was assessed using a validated survey. The questionnaire was completed anonymously and was self-administered. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test, the χ2 test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2,785 workers surveyed, 822 were from Spain, 1,595 from Mexico, 202 from Cuba and 166 from Costa Rica and 79% (n=2,191) were in favor of deceased organ donation. According to country, 94% (n=189) of Cubans were in favor, compared to 82% (n=1,313) of the Mexicans, 73% (n=121) of the Costa Ricans and 69% (n=568) of the Spanish (P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, the following variables had the most specific weight: 1) originating from Cuba (odds ratio=8.196; P<.001); 2) being a physician (OR= 2.544; P<.001); 3) performing a job related to transplantation (OR = 1.610; P=.005); 4) having discussed the subject of donation and transplantation within the family (OR= 3.690; P<.001); 5) having a partner with a favorable attitude toward donation and transplantation (OR= 3.289; P<.001); 6) a respondent's belief that his or her religion is in favor of donation and transplantation (OR= 3.021; P=.001); 7) not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (OR= 2.994; P<.001); 8) the preference for other options apart from burial for treating the body after death (OR= 2.770; P<.001); and 9) acceptance of carrying out an autopsy if one were needed (OR= 2.808; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital personnel in Spanish and Latin American healthcare centers had a favorable attitude toward donation, although 21% of respondents were not in favor of donating. This attitude was more favorable among Latin American workers and was very much conditioned by job-related and psychosocial factors.

Review and analysis of the results of kidney transplantation programs in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To know, analyze and compare kidney transplant programs; considering the survival of recipients at 1 and 5 years, from hospitals in Mexico. METHOD: A systematic review was carried out whose search focused on the survival of kidney transplant recipients. All publications found in PubMed and Google from 1963 to 2021 were included. The expectation-maximization algorithm was applied, proposing a mixture of normals, and hierarchical grouping to establish if there is any type of pattern and determine if there is a difference between the percentages. of survival at 1 and 5 years between the groups formed. RESULTS: Eight hospitals that published the survival of kidney transplant recipients were found. Survival rates ranged, at 1 year, from 94.7% to 100%, and at 5 years, from 85% to 96.2%. The methods used for their comparison indicated that there is a difference between survival at 1 and 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico there is little information on the results of kidney transplant programs, and the information found shows great heterogeneity in said programs. Some strategies and actions are proposed to improve survival underreporting.

OBJETIVO: Conocer, analizar y comparar los programas de trasplante renal, considerando la supervivencia de los receptores a 1 y 5 años, en los hospitales en México. MÉTODO: Se realizó una revisión sistemática cuya búsqueda se centró en la supervivencia de los receptores de trasplante renal. Se incluyeron todas las publicaciones encontradas en PubMed y Google de 1963 a 2021. Se aplicó el algoritmo de expectation-maximization, proponiendo una mezcla de normales, y agrupamiento jerárquico para establecer si hay algún tipo de patrón y determinar si hay diferencia entre los porcentajes de supervivencia a 1 y 5 años entre los grupos formados. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron ocho hospitales que publicaron la supervivencia de los receptores de trasplante renal. Los rangos de las tasas de supervivencia fueron, a 1 año, del 94.7% al 100%, y a los 5 años, del 85% al 96.2%. Los métodos empleados para su comparación indican que hay diferencia entre la supervivencia a 1 y 5 años. CONCLUSIONES: En México se tiene poca información sobre los resultados de los programas de trasplante renal, y la información encontrada muestra gran heterogeneidad en dichos programas. Se proponen algunas estrategias y acciones para mejorar el subregistro de supervivencia.

[Institutional liability and medical research]. / Responsabilidad institucional e investigación médica.

On December 14, 2011 an addition to Article 100 of the General Health Law was published in the Federation Official Journal. The added section VII states that: "It is the responsibility of the Health Care Institution to provide medical care to the subject that is injured, if this is directly related to the investigation, without prejudice to the legally appropriate compensation", thus establishing the institution's liability in an precise way when it authorizes research. This is a relevant situation of Fundamental Rights. We will present the spirit of the ordinary legislator from the Law initiative to its enactment.

The Roma population's fear of donating their own organs for transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The refusal rate for donating organs among the Roma people is much higher than that of any other social group. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude towards the donation of one's own organs among the Roma population living in Spain. METHOD: . TYPE OF STUDY: Spanish national observational sociological study stratified by gender and age. STUDY POPULATION: Roma population aged ≥15 years living in Spain. SAMPLE SIZE: 1,253 respondents. Assessment instrument: Validated questionnaire on attitude towards organ donation for transplantation "PCID - DTO Ríos". Field work: Random selection based on stratification. Anonymous and self-administered completion. The collaboration of people of Roma ethnicity was required. STATISTICS: Student's t test, χ2, Fisher's exact test and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The degree of completion was 18.2% (n = 228). Of those who completed the questionnaire, 42.1% (n = 96) were in favor of donation, 30.3% (n = 69) were undecided and the remaining 27.6% (n = 63) were against it. Of the 1,025 (81.8%) who declined to complete the questionnaire, 1,004 (98%) indicated that it was for fear of speaking about and filling in a questionnaire that raises the issue of death and organ donation after death. If those who did not complete the questionnaire due to fear of death and donating organs after death are considered not in favor, the results would be as follows: 7.8% (n = 96) in favor of donating their organs compared to 92.2% (n = 1166) not in favor (against or undecided). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of the Roma population prefer not speak of death nor organ donation after death. These findings show that current campaigns to promote organ donation are not effective in this population group.

[Attitudes among Spanish and Latin American non-medical health professionals to living donor liver transplantation]. / Actitud de los profesionales hospitalarios no sanitarios españoles y latinoamericanos hacia la donación de hígado de vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital professionals are an opinion group that influences the general population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze attitudes to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) among non-medical professionals working in Spanish and Latin American hospitals and to determine the variables that influence these attitudes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A random sample, stratified by department, was selected from non-medical staff in the "International Donor Collaborative Project": there were three hospitals in Spain, five in Mexico and two in Cuba. Attitudes were evaluated through a validated, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 951 non-medical professionals: 277 from Spain, 632 from Mexico and 42 from Cuba. A total of 86% (n = 818) were in favor of related living donation and 31% (n = 299) were in favor of unrelated living donation. This attitude was associated with the following: country (Mexico 88%, Cuba 83%, Spain 81%) (p =0.016), female sex (p =0.026), having experience of donation and transplantation (p =0.001), having a favorable attitude to donation (P <0.001), considering the possibility of needing a transplant (P <0.001), being in favor of living kidney donation (P <0.001), being willing to accept a transplant from a living donor if necessary (P <0.001), discussing donation and transplantation with the family and partner (P <0.001), carrying out pro-social activities (P <0.001), believing that one's religion was in favor of donation and transplantation (P<0.001), and not worrying about bodily mutilation after donation (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes toward related LDLT among non-medical staff in various Spanish, Mexican and Cuban hospitals are favorable. In 86% of those surveyed, this attitude was not influenced by classical psychosocial factors.

Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Cuban Residents in Florida.

BACKGROUND: The Cuban population residing in the state of Florida in the United States forms the largest population group of immigrants in that state. It has been described as a population with little awareness of organ donation. The objective is to analyze the factors that Cubans residing in the Florida refer to when expressing an unfavorable attitude toward organ donation and to determine the psychosocial factors associated with the attitude toward organ donation of this population group. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional observational study. From the Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante (International Donor Collaborative Project), a sample stratified by age and sex of Cubans residing in Florida (N = 1224) is obtained. The sample is analyzed using the validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS). The reasons against organ donation were analyzed using a specific multiresponse item, with an open response option. For the analysis of the psychosocial variables, a logistic regression analysis is carried out. RESULTS: A total of 38.2% (n = 468) of the individuals under study declared themselves against organ donation. Of those who were against, the reasons stated were (1) leave the dead in peace (n = 440; 57.6%); (2) religious reasons (n = 192; 25.1%); (3) fear of mutilation (n = 160; 20.9%); (4) assertive refusal (n = 128; 16.8%); (5) apparent death (n = 16; 2.1%); and (6) other reasons (n = 764; 62.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The Cuban population residing in Florida who is against organ donation expresses various reasons. In addition, there are factors associated with the psychosocial profile toward organ donation of this important population group.

African Immigrants Living in Spain: Awareness Toward Organ Donation and the Need for Specific Awareness Campaigns.

OBJECTIVES: The African population is an important, growing population group in Spain. Our objective was to determine attitudes toward organ donation among the African population living in Spain and to determine factors influencing attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population sample was taken of Africans residing in Spain, stratified by age and sex (n = 4145). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously. Descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, ttest, and logistic regression analysis were used for data analyses. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 87% (n = 3618). Attitudes toward donation of one's own organs was favorable in 31% of respondents (n = 1112). Among the remaining respondents, attitude was unfavorable in 40% (n = 1458) and undecided in 29% (n = 1037). Multivariate analysis showed the following variables as being associated with attitude: (1) age (P < .001), (2) having descendents (P < .001), (3) education level (P < .001), (4) belief of respondent that he or she may need a transplant in the future (P = .001), (5) knowledge ofthe concept of brain death (P < .001), (6) attitude toward donation of a family member's organ (P < .001), (7) having spoken with one's family about donation and transplant (P < .001), (8) opinion of one's partner toward organ donation (P < .001), (9) respondent's religion (P < .001), (10) knowledge of the view of one's religion toward organ donation and transplant (P < .001), and (10) fear of possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes toward donation of an individual's organs after death were negative among Africans living in Spain and may be related to psychosocial factors. This group should have priority for receiving organ donation awareness campaigns in Spain.

Population of Cienfuegos (Cuba) and Their Knowledge About the Concept of Brain Death: Multivariate Analysis of the Associated Psychosocial Factors.

INTRODUCTION: The favorable knowledge of the concept of brain death (BD) is a determinant for organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge of the concept of BD in the population of Cienfuegos (Cuba) and determine the factors that condition it. METHODS: Sample of Cubans residing in Cienfuegos (n = 636) stratified by age and sex. The assessment instrument is the validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and transplant, "PCID-DTO-Ríos," self-administered and anonymously filled out. STATISTICS: χ2, Student t test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 636 individuals completed the questionnaire. Fifty percent of participants understood the concept of BD and accept it as a person's death (n = 318). Of the rest, 13.4% (n = 85) did not understand it, and 36.6% (n = 233) had a misconception. The marital status (be married and / or with a partner) of the respondent is associated with the knowledge BD (P < .001) as are the following variables: level of education; offspring; having discussed the issue of donation and transplantation with the family; opinion of the couple toward donation and transplantation; religion; and favorable attitude toward the organ donation and transplant. In the multivariate analysis, the following are independent variables: 1. studies (odds ratio [OR] = 4.664; P = .002); 2. has no offspring (OR = 3.129; P < .001); 3. has commented on it in the family nucleus (OR = 2.759; P < .001); 4. despite having an opinion against (OR = 16.999; P < .001); 5. religion (OR = 1.878; P = .042); and 6. favorable attitude toward the donation of cadaver organs (OR = 2.026; P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the population of Cienfuegos knows and accepts the concept of BD as the death of an individual, associating said acceptance with a favorable attitude toward organ donation.

Differences in Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Three Main Cities of Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Cuba is one of the Latin American countries with the highest rates of organ donation. Social and cultural differences among the population throughout the country may also affect attitudes toward donation. Knowledge of these characteristics would facilitate awareness of the population most reluctant to donate and transplant. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the differences in attitudes toward organ donation among Cubans living in the main capitals of Cuba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study population. The study group was the Cuban population living in the cities of Cienfuegos (n=636), Havana (n=920), and Santiago de Cuba (n=455), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project. Sample of the population. Participants were older than 15 years, and data were stratified by geographic area, age, and sex. Assessment instrument. We used a validated questionnaire of attitude toward organ donation for transplant (PCID-DTO-Ríos), anonymously filled in and self-administered. STATISTICS: Student t test was applied together with the χ2 test, complemented by an analysis of the remainders. RESULTS: The favorable attitude among inhabitants in Cienfuegos was 71.2% (n=453), 68.3% (n=628) among those in Havana, and 69.5% (n=316) among those in Santiago de Cuba (P < .05). The psycho-social profile of respondents favoring organ donation was similar in the 3 cities. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward organ donation among the population of the main cities of Cuba was favorable and similar in all of them. The psycho-social profile toward organ donation was similar in the 3 cities.

Impact of Catholicism on the Attitude Toward the Donation of Organs Among African Residents in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The African population is one of the largest immigrant groups in Europe. Religious beliefs are deeply rooted in most African societies and condition their attitude toward organ donation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the influence of Catholicism in the attitude toward organ donation among Africans residing in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants were born in Africa and were residents in Spain. Data were obtained from the database of the International Donor Collaborative Project, which includes a sample of the population for 15 years, stratified by those who were born in Africa, as well as age and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). RESULTS: Of the population under study, 13% are Catholics (n = 475) and 80% (n = 2896) are Muslims. The favorable attitude toward the donation of cadaver organs is 53.7% (n = 255) among Catholics compared with 25.6% (n = 742) among Muslims (P < .001). On the contrary, 17.7% of Catholics have an unfavorable opinion (n = 84), while 45.5% (n = 1280) of Muslims have an unfavorable opinion; 28.6% of Catholics and 29.2% of Muslims are undecided. In addition, among Catholics who believe that their doctrine accepts organ donation and transplantation, 70.6% (n = 132) are in favor of donating a corpse compared to those who believe that Catholic doctrine is against (P < .001 ), with only 35% (n = 7) in favor of the donation. CONCLUSIONS: Africans who have converted to Catholicism have a more favorable attitude toward donating their own organs than those who continue in Islam.

Analysis of the Socio-Personal Profile of Latin Americans Living in Spain and the United States: Does It Justify the Differences in Attitude Toward Organ Donation?

INTRODUCTION: There are differences in the attitude toward organ donation between Latin Americans living in Spain and those living in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the socio-personal factors that can condition the difference in attitude toward donation between Latin Americans living in the United States and those living in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants in the study were Latin Americans living in Spain (group A; n=1237) and the United States (Florida) (group B; n=1450), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project (PCID). Inclusion criteria were a sample population stratified by area, country of birth, age, and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Rios.) Participants were randomly selected to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: The attitude in favor of Latin Americans residing in Spain (group A) was 60% (n=745) vs 33% (n=485) of residents in the United States (group B) (P < .001). The socio-personal profile of the Latin Americans in Spain compared with those in the United States indicates that they are mainly women (63.5% vs 43.7%, respectively), younger (31.78 vs 37.31 years, respectively), have more secondary education (21.2% vs 16.3%, respectively) and university studies (11% vs 6%, respectively), are of South American origin vs those who are Mexican and Central American, respectively, and there is a higher percentage of atheists/agnostics (8.1% vs 3.7%). However, the personal profile toward donation is similar in both groups, both for and against organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The personal social profile of the Latin American resident in Spain is different from that of the resident in the United States. However, the psycho-social profile for and against organ donation is similar in both countries.