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

INTRODUCTION: Because personal decisions affect the availability of organs for transplants, awareness about organ donations among the general population is fundamental. OBJECTIVE: To analyze attitudes toward organ donation among the citizens of Havana, Cuba. METHODS: The 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. RESULTS: A 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 (P < .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 one's family; 5. the attitude of the couple toward organ donation and transplantation; 6. the religion of the respondent; 7. knowing the opinion of one's 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. CONCLUSIONS: The 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 population's awareness of the issue.