Attitude of Scottish Residents Living in Southeastern Spain Toward Organ Donation

Background

Southeastern Spain is a habitual area of residence for the native population of Scotland.

Objective

To assess the attitude toward donation in the immigrant population in our regional community who were born in Scotland and to analyze the variables that influence this attitude.

Materials and methods

A random sample was taken (n = 350) of the population group born in Scotland and living in southeastern Spain. The instrument used to measure attitude was a previously validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously between December 2005 and March 2006. For a control group, we used a sample of the autochthonous population (n = 2000). Statistical analysis included Student t test, the χ² test, Fisher exact test, and logistical regression analysis.

Results

The attitude toward donation was favorable among 73% of respondents (n = 237), with 7% (n = 22) against and 21% (n = 68) undecided. The attitude was more favorable than among the Spanish control group (73% vs 63%; P = .002). The following variables were related to this attitude: an understanding of the concept of brain death (P = .025); having discussed the matter within the family unit (P < .001); a partner's attitude toward donation (P < .001); being in favor of donating a family member's organs (P < .001); attitude toward cremation (P < .001); attitude toward autopsy (P = .002); and concern about mutilation after donation (P < .001).

Conclusions

The attitude of Scottish residents in southeastern Spain is more favorable than that of the Spanish population. It is mainly affected by factors related to the family and to the attitude toward manipulation of the cadaver.