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

Abstract

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.