German citizens in southeastern Spain: a study of attitude toward organ donation.

Ríos A, Martínez-Alarcón L, Sánchez J, Jarvis N, Parrilla P, Ramírez P. German citizens in southeastern Spain: a study of attitude toward organ donation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 349–357. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Spain is frequently a place of residence for a high percentage of the German population. Our aim is to analyze the attitude of the German population that is resident in Spain toward organ donation. Methods: A sample of German residents in the south east of Spain was obtained randomly between November 2005 and April 2006 (n = 227). Attitude was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. This survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. Control group: a sample of 2000 Spanish citizens. Results: There is a favorable attitude toward donation in 64% of respondents, similar to the control group (64% vs. 63%; p = 0.8545). The most important factors that affect such attitude are: (i) having dependents (odds ratio = 4.569); (ii) having talked about donation within the family (OR = 4.132); (iii) being willing to accept an autopsy if one were necessary (OR = 5.952); (iv) having had previous experience of organ donation and transplantation (OR = 5.814); (v) not being concerned about mutilation of the cadaver (OR = 8.792); and (vi) the attitude of one’s partner toward donation, especially when this is negative (OR = 0.002). Conclusions: The attitude toward organ donation of Germans who usually reside in Spain is the same as that described in the native Spanish population, and is determined by many psychosocial factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]