A public attitude survey on organ xenotransplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To survey the public attitude towards xenotransplantation and examine its influencing factors.Methods:A survey form with 46 multiple-choice questions is offered. It is composed of general profiles of respondent and scale. The questionnaire is distributed online through the platform of Wenjuanxing(https //www.wjx.cn). All adult respondents filled in anonymously online. Statistical processing included descriptive analysis, reliability and validity testing and variance and correlation analysis.Results:A total of 4 414 valid questionnaires are obtained between December 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Cronbach's alpha coefficient is 0.912 and the scale has decent reliability. Based upon the results of exploratory factor analysis, the items are grouped into five main factors, namely organ source, decision, psychosocial change, infection risk and other risks. If pig organs are proven feasible, the risks and prognosis are basically the same as human organs, 65.4% of the respondents definitely supported xenotransplantation. Among the respondents, individuals aged 31~50 years, male, born or resident in Chinese western region, higher education, non-medical institution practitioners, self/family members/friends have done or awaiting organ transplantation, self/partners supporting organ donation, future needs for organ transplantation, previous discussion of organ donation or organ transplantation with family/friends, blood donation, volunteer social worker, atheist or Buddhist/Christianc and hearing about xenotransplantation are more inclined to support xenotransplantation.Correlation analysis showed significant correlations among five main factors.Conclusions:Despite differences in attitudes towards xenotransplantation among different populations, overall attitude is favorable. Respondents are more concerned about their associated risks, especially psychosocial changes. The related researches should be stressed. And for different groups of people, corresponding stratified tutoring should be carried out. Strengthening clinical trials, heightening public attention and training medical staff are expected to further popularize this new technology.