Acceptance of the Xenotransplantation of Organs Among the Population of the Spanish Gypsy Ethnic Group

Abstract

Introduction: Organ refusal rates among Gypsies is much higher than that of any other social group in Spain. However, their attitude toward new therapies related to transplantation, such as the xenotransplantation, is not known. This is especially important in countries such as Spain, where there are research and development units for xenotransplantation.

Objective: To analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the Gypsy population living in Spain.

Method: Type of study: Observational sociological study. Population under study: Adult Gypsy population currently residing in Spain.

Sample: A random sampling of 230 adult Gypsies. Assessment instrument: A validated attitude questionnaire for xenotransplantation-PCID-XenoTx Ríos. Fieldwork: Random selection based on stratification. Anonymity and self-administered fulfillment.

Statistics: Student t test, χ², Fisher, and a logistic regression analysis.

Results: A sample of 206 Gypsies was obtained. Forty-five percent (n = 93) would accept a solid organ xenotransplantation if they needed it, and the results were similar to those currently obtained with human organs; 24% (n = 49) have doubts, and 31% (n = 64) would not accept the xenotransplantation. If the results were worse than with human organs, only 9% would accept the xenotransplantation (n = 19). Respondents with a favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation presented a more favorable attitude toward cadaveric organ donation (55% vs 34%, P = .01).

Conclusions: Gypsies do not present a very favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation, especially compared with other Spanish population groups. A favorable sensitivity is presented by the population group in favor of it to cadaveric organ donation, which could be used to sensitize this social group and promote donation campaigns with the aim of increasing donation rates.