Nigerian Residents in Spain Have Poor Awareness of Organ Donation and Transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: The number of people of Nigerian origin in Europe is growing. However, there are no studies that have analyzed their awareness of organ donation and transplantation.

Objective: To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Nigerian-born population living in Spain.

Methods: The sample population was a selection of people born in Nigeria who are now living in Spain. A sample of this cohort older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on the psychosocial attitudes toward organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people from this cohort was surveyed.

Results: A sample of 183 respondents was included in the study. Of their attitudes toward cadaveric donation, 33% were in favor of it, 34% were against it, and 33% were undecided. The variables associated with having a more favorable attitude (P < .001) were: 1. Knowledge related to donation and transplantation; 2. attitude toward the body; 3. religion; and 4. social interaction. In the multivariate analysis, the main independent factor associated with the attitude toward organ donation was the knowledge of the concept of encephalic death. Respondents who are familiar with the concept of brain death are 10 times more likely to be in favor of donation than those who are not.

Conclusions: The attitude toward organ donation among the Nigerian-born population living in Spain is not very favorable and is associated with psychosocial factors. A campaign to raise awareness among Nigerian residents in Spain has become a priority.