Evaluation of attitudes toward living organ donation: a multicenter study of compulsory secondary school education teachers

Background

There is a considerable transplant organ deficit. To offset the organ shortage, living donation is being encouraged. Young persons form a sector of the population in whom early awareness is important to encourage favorable attitudes toward donation. Teachers play important roles in education and in generating attitudes.

Purpose

We analyzed the attitudes of secondary school teachers toward living organ donation and sought to determine the psychosocial variables that affect these attitudes.

Materials and methods

We randomly selected Teachers from 10 secondary schools in southeastern Spain. Their attitudes toward living donation were evaluated using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered anonymously. The statistical tests were Student t test and the χ² test.

Results

Regarding living kidney donation, 92% of teachers were in favor of related donation, decreasing to 16% when it was not from a related individual. In contrast, regarding related donations, 7% were not in favor, and 1% undecided. Teachers who had discussed the matter with their family and friends had more favorable attitudes (P < .05). In the case of living liver donations, 91% were in favor of related donation (falling to 20% if not related), 7% were not in favor, and 2% had doubts. Attitudes were more favorable among women, teachers with children, and those who had discussed the matter with their family and friends (P < .05).

Conclusions

Teachers had favorable attitudes toward living related kidney or liver donation. Their students would receive positive information when they request relevant information.