Attitude toward living liver donation in transplant hospitals in Spain, Mexico and Cuba

Abstract

Background: Transplantation hospitals have played a key role in developing deceased organ donation and transplantation (ODT). To reduce the number of deaths on the transplant waiting list, it is essential to encourage living liver donation (LLD). Involvement of personnel in these hospitals is crucial.

Purpose: We analyzed the attitudes toward LLD among hospital personnel in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba.

Materials and methods: Data were obtained from 5 transplant hospitals in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. The sample was stratified according to job category and type of service (n=2273). A validated questionnaire about living donation was used as the instrument.

Results: Most respondents (82%) were in favor of related LLD. If the LLD was not related, acceptance fell to 21%. A total of 85% of physicians, 79% of nursing personnel, 74% of nursing assistants, and 83% of auxiliary staff were in favor (p<.001). A favorable attitude toward LLD was associated (P<.05) with age (37±10 y vs 39±10 y), a favorable attitude toward deceased donation, a belief that a possible transplant is needed, acceptance of LLD if necessary, a favorable attitude toward living kidney donation, family discussion about ODT, a partner's favorable attitude toward ODT, an intention to participate in prosocial activities, being a Catholic, and a belief that one's religion is in favor of ODT.

Conclusions: Personnel from Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban transplantation hospitals have favorable attitudes toward LLD. This suggests that there may be an increase in LLD in the future, provided that there is the necessary sociopolitical and economic support.