Low muscle mass in COVID-19 critically-ill patients: Prognostic significance and surrogate markers for assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Low muscle mass is a common condition in the critically ill population and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of low muscle mass using computed tomography (CT) scans in COVID-19 critically ill patients. A second objective was to determine the accuracy and agreement in low muscle mass identification using diverse markers compared to CT as the gold standard. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of COVID-19 critically ill patients. Skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra was measured. Clinical outcomes (intensive care unit [ICU] and hospital length of stay [LOS], tracheostomy, days on mechanical ventilation [MV], and in-hospital mortality) were assessed. Phase angle, estimated fat-free mass index, calf circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured as surrogate markers of muscle mass. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were included (mean age ± SD: 48.6 ± 12.9; 74% males). Patients with low muscle mass (48%) had a higher rate of tracheostomy (50 vs 20%, p = 0.01), prolonged ICU (adjusted HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.30-0.92, p = 0.024) and hospital LOS (adjusted HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.86, p = 0.014). Bedside markers of muscle mass showed poor to fair agreement and accuracy compared to CT-assessed low muscle mass. CONCLUSION: Low muscle mass at admission was associated with prolonged length of ICU and hospital stays. Further studies are needed to establish targeted nutritional interventions to halt and correct the catabolic impact of COVID-19 in critically ill patients, based on standardized and reliable measurements of body composition.

Respuesta humoral inducida por la vacuna BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm COVID-19 en trabajadores de primera línea / BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine-induced humoral response in frontline workers

Con la llegada de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 se evidenció la disminución de casos de Infección por SARS-CoV-2. El objetivo del estudio fue cuantificar la producción de anticuerpos neutralizantes (An) e inmunoglobulina G (S-IgG) en trabajadores de primera línea inmunizados con dos dosis de la vacuna BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharma. Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico transversal en personal de salud inmunizado con la vacuna inactivada (BBIBP-CorV). Sus muestras sanguíneas se recogieron tres meses después de la segunda dosis, para medir las respuestas de anticuerpos (An, S-IgG). De un total de 172 personas evaluadas, 110 (64%) personas ya habían tenido COVID-19 antes de ingresar al estudio, los títulos de An fueron superiores a 10 AU/mL en el 60,5% de los vacunados y el 89,3% mostró S-IgG superior a 50 UA/mL. Los trabajadores mayores de 60 años fueron el grupo que no desarrolló suficientes anticuerpos. La correlación de An y S-IgG fue positiva (r=0,84) (p<0,001). La administración de dos dosis de la vacuna inactivada BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharma provocó una notable respuesta An y S-IgG, excepto en mayores de 60 años(AU)

With the arrival of the vaccine against COVID-19, the decrease in cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection was evidenced. The objective of the study was to quantify the production of neutralizing antibodies (An) and immunoglobulin G (S-IgG) in frontline workers immunized with two doses of the BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharma vaccine. A cross-sectional analytical observational study was carried out in health personnel immunized with the inactivated vaccine (BBIBP-CorV). Their blood samples were collected three months after the second dose, to measure antibody responses (An, S-IgG). Of a total of 172 people evaluated, 110 (64%) people already had COVID-19 before entering the study, An titers were greater than 10 AU/mL in 60.5% of those vaccinated and 89, 3% showed S-IgG greater than 50 AU/mL. Workers older than 60 years were the group that did not develop enough antibodies. The correlation of An and S-IgG was positive (r=0.84) (p<0.001). The administration of two doses of the inactivated BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharma vaccine caused a notable An and S-IgG response, except in those over 60 years of age(AU)

Cancer blues? A promising judgment bias task indicates pessimism in nude mice with tumors.

In humans, affective states can bias responses to ambiguous information: a phenomenon termed judgment bias (JB). Judgment biases have great potential for assessing affective states in animals, in both animal welfare and biomedical research. New animal JB tasks require construct validation, but for laboratory mice (Mus musculus), the most common research vertebrate, a valid JB task has proved elusive. Here (Experiment 1), we demonstrate construct validity for a novel mouse JB test: an olfactory Go/Go task in which subjects dig for high- or low-value food rewards. In C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice faced with ambiguous cues, latencies to dig were sensitive to high/low welfare housing: environmentally-enriched animals responded with relative 'optimism' through shorter latencies. Illustrating the versatility of this validated JB task across different fields of research, it further allowed us to test hypotheses about the mood-altering effects of cancer in male and female nude mice (Experiment 2). Males, although not females, treated ambiguous cues as intermediate; and males bearing subcutaneous lung adenocarcinomas also responded more pessimistically to these than did healthy controls. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a valid mouse JB task, and the first demonstration of pessimism in tumor-bearing animals. This task still needs to be refined to improve its sensitivity. However, it has great potential for investigating mouse welfare, the links between affective state and disease, depression-like states in animals, and hypotheses regarding the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie affect-mediated biases in judgment.

Do Religious Factors Influence the Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Medical Students? A Spanish Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Religious factors have conditioned the attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) since the beginning of transplantation, despite the fact that most religions are in favor of transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of religious beliefs of medical students on their attitude toward ODT. METHOD: Population under study: Medical students in Spanish universities. STUDY SAMPLE: Stratified by geographical area and academic course. Assessment instrument: Attitude ODT questionnaire PCID-DTO-Ríos, anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: Of all students, 42% (n = 3907) declare themselves atheists or agnostics. The remaining 58% (n = 5368) declare themselves to be religious, the majority being Catholic (55%, n = 5102). Of the rest, 0.2% are Muslims (n = 8), 0.1% Protestants (n = 1), and the remaining 2.7% (n = 257) indicate other religious doctrines but do not want to specify it. Regarding their attitude toward ODT, those who consider themselves atheists or agnostics have a more favorable attitude than those who consider themselves religious (84% versus 76%; P < .001). Among those who follow some kind of religion, Catholics are more in favor of ODT than non-Catholics (77% vs 64%, P < .001). Note that among the religious, only 57% (n = 3050) know which religion is in favor of transplantation, while 22% (n = 1,152) consider that it has not been pronounced on the matter, 13% (n = 723) think the religion is against donation, and the remaining 8% (n = 443) do not know. CONCLUSION: The religion professed by medical students conditions their attitude toward donation, with the atheists and agnostics being more in favor of donation.

Are High Rates of Deceased Donation Conditioning the Attitude Toward Liver Donation Among Medical Students?

The involvement of health professionals from their training period is important for the promotion of living liver donation. There are data that indicate that the awareness of living donation is lower in areas with high rates of deceased donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward living liver donation among Spanish medical students, according to donation rates of their regions. METHOD: Population under study: Medical students in Spanish universities. Database of the Collaborative International Donor Project, stratified by geographic area and academic course. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Groups under study: group 1 (n = 1136): students in universities of regions with >50 donors per million population (pmp); group 2 (n = 2018): students in region universities with <40 donors pmp. Assessment instrument: the attitude questionnaire for living liver donation Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante sobre Donación de Vivo Hepático-Ríos (PCID-DVH Ríos). RESULTS: The attitude toward related liver donation is more favorable among the students of regions with <40 donors pmp than among those of >50 donors pmp. Thus, in group 1, a total of 88% (n = 1002) of students are in favor compared with 91% (n = 1831) of group 2 (P=.02). The psychosocial profile of each study group about their attitude toward living related liver donation is analyzed. There is a similar profile between the 2 groups, although there are differences in some variables such as age, a belief that one might need a transplant, family discussion about donation and transplantation, discussion with friends about donation and transplantation, and knowing about a donor. CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of living related donation among Spanish medical students is greater among the regions with lower organ donation rates.

Knowledge of the Brain Death Concept in Dominican Immigration Residents in Spain and Florida.

The Latin American population has a double way of immigration, one toward the United States by proximity and another toward Spain by sociocultural affinity. This population increase is affecting organ donation and transplantation in receiving countries. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the brain death (BD) concept knowledge in the Dominican Republic immigrant population in Florida (United States) and Spain. METHOD: Population under study: Population born in the Dominican Republic, resident in Florida (United States) and in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Population older than 15 years stratified by age and sex. Assessment instrument: Donation attitude questionnaire PCID-DTO-Ríos. Fieldwork: Random selection based on stratification. Immigration support association collaboration in Florida and Spain was needed to locate potential respondents. Completion was anonymous and self-administered, with verbal consent. RESULTS: A total of 123 respondents, 57 residents in Spain and 66 in Florida, have been included in the study. The 27% (n = 33) of the respondents knowledgeable of the BD concept consider it the death of an individual. Of the remainder, 52% (n = 64) do not know about it, and the remaining 21% (n = 26) believe it does not mean the death of a patient. No differences were observed regarding migration countries (P > .05). There was no association of the BD concept with other psychosocial factors analyzed or with the attitude toward organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the BD concept among the Dominican immigrant population is similar in Spain and Florida, and, unlike most studies, there is no objective association with the attitude toward organ donation.

Sensitization Toward Organ Donation Among Medical Students in Spanish Regions With More Than 50 Donors Per Million Population.

The awareness of organ donation among health professionals is important at the time of transplant promotion. In this sense, the training and awareness of the professionals in training is fundamental. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in the attitude toward organ donation and the factors that condition it among medical students of regions with donation rates >50 donors per million population (pmp) with respect to those with rates <40 donor pmp. METHOD: Population under study: medical students in Spanish universities. Database of the Collaborative International Donor Project, stratified by geographic area and academic course. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Groups under study: Group 1 (n = 1136): students in universities of regions with >50 donors pmp. Group 2 (n = 2018): university students in regions with <40 donors pmp. Assessment instrument: attitude questionnaire for organ donation for transplant PCID-DTO-Ríos. RESULTS: The attitude toward organ donation for transplantation is similar among students from the autonomous communities with >50 donors pmp and with <40 donors pmp. In group 1, 79% (n = 897) of students are in favor compared with 81% (n = 1625) of group 2 (P=.29). The psychosocial profile toward donation is similar in both groups relating to the following variables (P < .05): sex, having discussed transplantation with family and as a couple, considering the possibility of needing a transplant, involvement in prosocial activities, attitude toward the manipulation of corpses, knowledge of the brain death concept, and religion. CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of organ donation in Spanish medical students is quite homogeneous and is not related to the local donation rates of each region.

Multivariate Analysis of Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Living Kidney Donation Among the Puerto Rican Population Resident in Florida.

Puerto Rican and Cuban populations are 2 of the most important migration groups in Florida. Awareness about organ donation among them is fundamental. It is important to determine the factors that influence attitudes toward organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation (LKD) among Florida's Puerto Rican residents. METHODS: Study population: Population born in Puerto Rico resident in Florida (United States). INCLUSION CRITERIA: A sample of population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation: LKD attitude questionnaire Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donantesobre Donación de Vivo Renal, Rios. SETTING: for the study: Random selection based on stratification. Immigration support associations in Florida were needed to locate potential respondents. Anonymized and self-administered with verbal consent completion. RESULTS: Of the 259 respondents, 55% (n = 143) are in favor of related LKD (family or friends). The following factors were associated with this attitude: marital status (P = .008); educational level (P < .001); personal experience with organ donation and transplantation (P < .001); attitude toward deceased organ donation (P < .001); realization of prosocial activities (P = .02); family comments about organ donation (P < .001) and comments within couples (P < .001); not being concerned about possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < .001); believing that one's own religion was in favor of donation and transplantation (P < .001); economic incentives of donation (P < .001), and evaluation of the risk from living kidney donation (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, only marital status is featured as an independent variable (odds ratio, 32.258; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related LKD among the Puerto Rican population who resides in Florida is not very favorable; only 55% would do it.

Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Population of Cienfuegos, Cuba.

INTRODUCTION: The sensitization of the population toward organ donation is fundamental; for that reason, it is important to determine the factors that condition the opinion toward donation on the population scope in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward the donation of the proper organs for transplantation among the population residing in Cienfuegos, Cuba. METHOD: Population under study: Population who reside in Cienfuegos, Cuba. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Population over 15 years old as stratified by age and sex. Assessment instrument: The attitude questionnaire for organ donation for transplant-PCID-DTO Ríos. Fieldwork: A random selection based on stratification. The available data from the census were used. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Verbal consent was requested to collaborate in the study. STATISTICS: Student t test, χ2, Fisher, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A sample of 636 respondents was included in the study, of which 71% (n = 453) are in favor of donating their organs after death, 16% (n = 103) are against, and 13% (n = 80) are undecided. This attitude is associated with different psychosocial variables (P < .001): age, marital status, having offspring, level of studies, carrying out prosocial activities, discussing with the family the subject of donation and transplantation, knowledge of the concept of brain death, the attitude toward the manipulation of the corpse, the religion of the respondent, and the attitude of the couple toward organ transplantation. The main independent factors obtained in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio >2.5): knowledge of the brain death concept, attitude toward the manipulation of the corpse, religion, and attitude of the couple toward transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward organ donation among the population of Cienfuegos, Cuba, is favorable and is conditioned by several psychosocial factors.

There Is Great Ignorance About the Brain Death Concept Among the Population in Santiago de Cuba (Cuba).

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of the brain death (BD) concept is important when determining the attitude toward organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge of the BD concept among the population in Santiago de Cuba and determine the factors that condition it. METHODS: From the Collaborative International Donor Project, we obtained a sample of Cubans living in the area of Santiago de Cuba (n = 455). The attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. Student t test, χ2, Fisher, and logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Forty percent (n = 180) of the respondents know the BD concept and consider it as the death of an individual. Of the rest, 43% (n = 199) do not know about it, and the remaining 17% (n = 76) consider that it does not mean the death of a patient. The variables significantly related to the correct knowledge of BD in the multivariate analysis and considered as independent are: level of studies; the opinion of the couple toward organ donation; the religion of the respondent; having offspring; and a favorable attitude toward organ donation. CONCLUSION: There is ignorance about the brain death concept among the population of Santiago de Cuba. This lack of knowledge has a direct relationship with various psychosocial factors.

A Multicentre and stratified study of the attitude of medical students towards organ donation in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Medical students represent a new generation of medical thought, and if they have a favourable attitude towards organ donation this will greatly encourage its promotion. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the attitude of medical students in Spanish universities towards the donation of their own organs and to determine the factors affecting this attitude. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Type of study: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicentre, and observational study in Spain. STUDY POPULATION: Students studying a degree in medicine enrolled in Spain (n = 34,000). SAMPLE SIZE: A sample of 9598 students (confidence of 99% and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire of attitude towards organ donation and transplantation (PCID-DTO RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9.275). 80% were in favour of donation, 2% against and 18% were undecided. The following main variables were related to a favourable attitude: being of the female sex (Odds Ratio = 1.739); being in the sixth year of the degree (OR = 2.506); knowing a donor (OR = 1.346); having spoken about the subject with one's family (OR = 2.132) and friends (OR = 1.333); having a family circle that is in favour, more specifically, having a father (OR = 1.841), mother (OR = 2.538) or partner in favour (OR = 2.192); being a blood donor (OR = 2.824); acceptance of the mutilation of the body if it were necessary (OR = 2.958); and being an atheist or an agnostic (OR = 1.766). CONCLUSIONS: Spanish medical students generally have a favourable attitude towards organ donation, although 20% are not in favour.

Are Senegalese Immigrants Residing in Spain in Favor of Organ Donation?

The Senegalese population is an emerging group in Europe. The number of foreign residents in Spain, France, and Italy has increased significantly. However, there are no studies that analyze their awareness of organ donation and transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among the population born in Senegal residing in Spain. METHODS: The study population was born in Senegal and resides in Spain. A sample of the population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex according to census data and immigrant support associations. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation (PCID-DTO Rios). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. Assistance from African immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: A sample of 295 respondents was included in the study. Attitude toward deceased donation was favorable in 37% (n = 109) of respondents; 35% (n = 104) were against and 28% (n = 82) were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude (P < .05): sex, having discussed donation with the family, not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation, the respondent's religion, and knowledge of one's partner's attitude in favor of organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward organ donation among the population born in Senegal and residing in Spain is unfavorable, and it is associated with psychosocial factors.

Multivariate Analysis of the Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among the Ecuadorian Population Residing in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Immigrants from Ecuador represent the largest group of Latin Americans in Spain and are, therefore, a subgroup of interest to understand their attitudes and influences in respect to organ donation and transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude of nationals of Ecuador residing in Spain regarding deceased organ donation. METHODS: The study population included the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain. A sample of population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex (n=461). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). Assistance from immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advice on the location of potential respondents. RESULTS: Attitude toward cadaveric donation was favorable in 59% (n=271) of respondents, 12% (n=57) were against cadaveric donation, and 29% (n=133) were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables were independently associated with a more positive attitude toward organ donation: 1. level of formal education (odds ratio [OR]=6.849 [25.641-1.818]; P = .004); 2. being in favor of donating a family member's organs (OR=8.849 [20.833-3.717]; P < .001); 3. having commented at a family level about transplant (OR=3.717 [6.578-2.109]; P < .001); 4. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (OR=4.608 [8.547-2.487]; P < .001) and 5. knowing the attitude of one's religion toward donation (OR=7.462 [34.482-1.623]; P = .010). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain is less favorable than that of the Spanish population and is determined by many different psychosocial variables.

Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death: Is This an Obstacle in the Acceptance of Donation and Transplantation of Organs Among the Bolivian Population Residing in Spain?

INTRODUCTION: The Bolivian population is growing in Spain. The knowledge and acceptance of the concept of brain death are fundamental. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of understanding of the brain death concept among the population of Bolivians residing in Spain. METHODS: The study population was Bolivians living in Spain. The inclusion criteria were being older than 15 years, being born in Bolivia, and residing in Spain; participants were selected randomly from this group and stratified by age and sex. Knowledge of the concept of brain death was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation. A group of people to be surveyed was randomly selected. Assistance from immigration support associations in Spain was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: Of the 206 respondents, 27% understood brain death (BD) and believed that this was the death of an individual. Of the rest, 18% did not understand it and the remaining 55% believed it did not mean the death of a patient. Those who understood the concept of BD were more in favor of deceased donation than those who did not (52% vs 47%; P = .886). None of the sociopersonal variables analyzed is associated with knowledge of the concept of BD. A high percentage of respondents indicated fear of apparent death during organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the Bolivian population residing in Spain does not understand the concept of BD. Contrary to most psychosocial studies, it is not associated with attitudes toward organ donation or other sociopersonal factors.

Attitude of the Citizens of Havana, Cuba, Toward Organ Donation: A Multivariate Analysis of the Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude.

INTRODUCTION: Because personal decisions affect the availability of organs for transplants, awareness about organ donations among the general population is fundamental. OBJECTIVE: To analyze attitudes toward organ donation among the citizens of Havana, Cuba. METHODS: The sample population was the residents of the city of Havana, Cuba. The inclusion criterion was being older than 15 years; the sample was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects of organ donation and transplant (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. RESULTS: A sample of 920 respondents was included in the study. Attitude toward cadaveric donation was favorable in 68% of respondents, while 14% were against and 18% were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables continue to feature as independent variables (P < .05): 1. level of studies; 2. knowledge of the concept of brain death; 3. attitude toward organ donation of a relative; 4. having discussed the issue of organ donation and transplantation with one's family; 5. the attitude of the couple toward organ donation and transplantation; 6. the religion of the respondent; 7. knowing the opinion of one's religion toward organ transplantation; 8. fear of manipulation of the body after death; and 9. acceptance of burial as a treatment of the body after the death. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the residents of Havana is favorable and similar to that of the citizens of Spain. Improving the organ procurement system will increase donation rates given the population's awareness of the issue.

Nigerian Residents in Spain Have Poor Awareness of Organ Donation and Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The number of people of Nigerian origin in Europe is growing. However, there are no studies that have analyzed their awareness of organ donation and transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Nigerian-born population living in Spain. METHODS: The sample population was a selection of people born in Nigeria who are now living in Spain. A sample of this cohort older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on the psychosocial attitudes toward organ donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). A random selection of people from this cohort was surveyed. RESULTS: A sample of 183 respondents was included in the study. Of their attitudes toward cadaveric donation, 33% were in favor of it, 34% were against it, and 33% were undecided. The variables associated with having a more favorable attitude (P < .001) were: 1. Knowledge related to donation and transplantation; 2. attitude toward the body; 3. religion; and 4. social interaction. In the multivariate analysis, the main independent factor associated with the attitude toward organ donation was the knowledge of the concept of encephalic death. Respondents who are familiar with the concept of brain death are 10 times more likely to be in favor of donation than those who are not. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward organ donation among the Nigerian-born population living in Spain is not very favorable and is associated with psychosocial factors. A campaign to raise awareness among Nigerian residents in Spain has become a priority.

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Santiago, Cuba.

INTRODUCTION: Awareness about organ donation among the general population is fundamental to organ donation programs. It is important to determine the factors that influence attitudes toward organ donation within the general population in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Santiago, Cuba, citizens. METHODS: The study population encompassed residents in Santiago, Cuba. A sample population of residents older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward organ donation and transplant (PCID-DTO Ríos). Available census data were used. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: Of the 455 respondents, 70% of respondents are in favour of cadaveric donation, 16% are against, and 14% were undecided. Several variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude. And in the multivariate analysis, the following variables continue to feature as independent variables: 1. knowledge of the concept of brain death [OR = 2.386 (4.761-1.194); P = .014]; 2. being in favor of donating a family member's organs [OR = 3.067 (5.952-1.584); P = .001]; 3. a partner's favorable attitude [OR = 5.795 (1.477-22.731); P = .012]; 4. being an atheist/agnostic as the religious beliefs [OR = 1.845 (3.289-1.038); P = .037]; 5. not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation [OR = 7.437 (2.918-18.955); P < .001]; 6. not accepting other treatment options after death, such as inhumation [OR = 3.048 (5.714-1.626); P = .001]. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation among the Santiago, Cuba population is favorable and it is associated with several psychosocial factors.

Attitude Toward Living Kidney Donation in the Emigrant Algerine Population in Spain.

The number of foreign residents in Spain increased significantly with Moroccans and Algerians as the 2 largest nationalities. However, there are no studies that analyze their awareness of living kidney donation although an increasing number of patients of these nationalities are included on the waiting list. The aim of this study is to analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation among the population of Spain residents born in Algeria. METHODS: The study population was Spain residents born in Algeria. A sample of the population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward living kidney donation (PCID-DVR Rios). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 420 respondents, 64% of respondents are in favor of related living kidney donation (family or friends). The remaining 36% were against or undecided. The factors associated with this attitude are personal reasons and family (P < .001). Psychosocial factors are not related to this attitude (P < .001). The following factors were associated with this attitude: (1) not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < .001) and (2) evaluation of the risk from living kidney donation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related living kidney donation among the population of Spain residents born in Algeria is unfavorable. Only 64% would do it, and it is associated with affective factors and the evaluation of the risk from living kidney donation.

Guinean Residents in Spain Have Low Awareness of Living Kidney Related Donation.

INTRODUCTION: The number of Population of Guinea residents in Spain has increased significantly; however, there are no studies that analyze their awareness of transplantation and especially living kidney donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation among the Spanish resident population born in Guinea. METHODS: People born in Guinea and residents in Spain were included in this study. A sample of population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects with respect to living kidney donation (PCID-DVR-Rios). RESULTS: Of the 170 respondents, 68% of respondents are in favor of related living kidney donation. The remaining 32% were against it or undecided. The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that respondents who were in favor of cadaveric organ donation and transplantation had a probability of being in favor of living kidney donation 10 times greater than those who were not in favor, and that respondents who had collaborated in prosocial activities had a probability of being in favor of living kidney donation that was 10,638 times greater than those who have not collaborated and will not collaborate in the future. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related living kidney donation among the population born in Guinea and residing in Spain is not very favorable compared with studies of attitude in the European and Spanish population, and it is associated with psychosocial factors.

Are Dominicans in Favor of Xenotransplantation? A Study of the Attitude of Dominican Immigrants Residing in Spain and the United States.

Xenotransplantation carries many social and cultural implications. The immigrant population in countries with xenotransplantation programs, such as Spain and the United States, will play an important role in accepting such therapy. The objective of the study is to analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the Dominican population residing in the United States and Spain. METHODS: The study population was born in the Dominican Republic and resides in the southeastern United States and Spain. A sample population older than 15 years was obtained randomly and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects toward xenotransplantation (PCID-XENOTx-Ríos). A random selection of people to be surveyed was carried out. Assistance from immigration support associations was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. RESULTS: A total of 123 respondents were included in the study: A sample was taken of residents of the population from the Dominican Republic residing in Florida, United States (n = 66), and in Spain (n = 57). If it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones, 30% would be in favor. If the results were worse, only 7% would be in favor. This favorable attitude was related to the following variables (P < .05): level of education, an attitude in favor of deceased and living organ donation, and having spoken about donation and transplantation within the family. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward xenotransplantation among the population from the Dominican Republic who are residing in the southeastern United States and Spain is unfavorable.