Algerian Immigrants to Spain: Study of Attitude to the Donation of Organs for Transplantation

Transplant Proc. 2018 Mar;50(2):330-333. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.11.038.

Abstract

Introduction: Many Africans are emigrating to the European Economic Community from countries with little knowledge of transplantation. This population has not yet been studied.

Objective: Analyze the attitude toward donation among the Algerian population living in Spain.

Methods: We studied the population born in Algeria and residing in Spain, over 15 years old, and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was surveyed using a questionnaire of organ donation for transplantation ("PCID-DTO Ríos"). Support from African immigration associations was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Verbal consent was obtained to assist in the study.

Results: Of the 441 respondents, 27% (n = 119) were in favor of donation after death, 43% (n = 191) were against, and 30% (n = 131) were undecided. The variables associated with the attitude toward the donation were sex (P = .033), having offspring (P = .027), having commented on the subject of organ transplantation at the family level (P < .001), attitude (P < .001), religion (P < .001), and partner's opinion on organ donation and transplantation (P < .001). Only 16% of the respondents have known a transplant recipient or donor, with this subgroup having the most favorable attitude (68% vs 19%, P < .001).

Conclusions: The Algerian population emigrant to Spain has a very unfriendly attitude toward the donation of their own organs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Algeria / ethnology
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / ethnology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Transplantation / psychology*
  • Religion
  • Spain
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tissue Donors / psychology*
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement
  • Young Adult