Attitude of Nursing Students at the University of Lublin in Poland Toward Xenotransplantation of Organs

Abstract

Objective: Because of the shortage of organs, it has become necessary to look for alternative sources of organs, such as xenotransplantation. The aim of this study was to analyze the attitude of nursing students at a university in the Eastern Poland toward xenotransplantation, to determine factors that affect their acceptance.

Material and method: During the 2011-2012 academic year, nursing students at the University of the Eastern Poland enrolled the 5 nursing courses self-administered a validated questionnaire (the PCID-XenoTx Rios) anonymously. We undertook a descriptive statistical analysis using the Student t test, χ(2) test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results: The completion rate was 90% (608 of 672). When asked about the acceptability of organ donation from humans, 62% (n = 379) were in favor, 9% (n = 54) against, and 29% (n = 175) undecided. We found a significant association between the acceptability of transplantation and the university course and the respondents' religion (P ≤ .05). Fourth-year students have a more favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation than third-year students (75% vs 54%; P = .018). Catholics accept this type of donation more readily than those belonging to other faith traditions (63% vs 37%; P = .053). In the multivariate analysis, academic course is a significant influence on attitude toward xenotransplantation (odds ratio, 2.421; 95% CI, 4.347-1.345; P = .003).

Conclusions: Nursing students have an unfavorable attitude toward xenotransplantation. This attitude is influenced by the religious beliefs and their academic year.