The Willingness to Donate Organs in Medical Students From an International Perspective: A Meta-Analysis.

Attitude toward organ donation mobilizes donation behavior and makes transplant surgery possible. As future health professionals, medical students will be a relevant generating opinion group and will have an important role in the organ requesting process. The goals of this meta-analysis were to obtain polled rates of medical students who are in favor, against, or indecisive toward cadaveric organ donation in the studies conducted around the world, and to explore sociocultural variables influencing the willingness to donate. Electronic search and revision of references from previous literature allowed us to locate 57 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent investigators. Pooled estimations were computed assuming a random-effects model. Despite the fact that willingness to donate was elevated in medical students, estimated rates in studies from different geographical areas and sociocultural backgrounds exhibited significant differences. The age and the grade of the students also influenced the rate of students in favor. Donation campaigns should take into account cultural factors, especially in countries where certain beliefs and values could hamper organ donation. Also, knowledge and skills related to organ donation and transplant should be acquired early in the medical curriculum when a negative attitude is less resistant to change.

Differences in Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Three Main Cities of Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Cuba is one of the Latin American countries with the highest rates of organ donation. Social and cultural differences among the population throughout the country may also affect attitudes toward donation. Knowledge of these characteristics would facilitate awareness of the population most reluctant to donate and transplant. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the differences in attitudes toward organ donation among Cubans living in the main capitals of Cuba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study population. The study group was the Cuban population living in the cities of Cienfuegos (n=636), Havana (n=920), and Santiago de Cuba (n=455), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project. Sample of the population. Participants were older than 15 years, and data were stratified by geographic area, age, and sex. Assessment instrument. We used a validated questionnaire of attitude toward organ donation for transplant (PCID-DTO-Ríos), anonymously filled in and self-administered. STATISTICS: Student t test was applied together with the χ2 test, complemented by an analysis of the remainders. RESULTS: The favorable attitude among inhabitants in Cienfuegos was 71.2% (n=453), 68.3% (n=628) among those in Havana, and 69.5% (n=316) among those in Santiago de Cuba (P < .05). The psycho-social profile of respondents favoring organ donation was similar in the 3 cities. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward organ donation among the population of the main cities of Cuba was favorable and similar in all of them. The psycho-social profile toward organ donation was similar in the 3 cities.

Impact of Catholicism on the Attitude Toward the Donation of Organs Among African Residents in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The African population is one of the largest immigrant groups in Europe. Religious beliefs are deeply rooted in most African societies and condition their attitude toward organ donation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the influence of Catholicism in the attitude toward organ donation among Africans residing in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants were born in Africa and were residents in Spain. Data were obtained from the database of the International Donor Collaborative Project, which includes a sample of the population for 15 years, stratified by those who were born in Africa, as well as age and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). RESULTS: Of the population under study, 13% are Catholics (n = 475) and 80% (n = 2896) are Muslims. The favorable attitude toward the donation of cadaver organs is 53.7% (n = 255) among Catholics compared with 25.6% (n = 742) among Muslims (P < .001). On the contrary, 17.7% of Catholics have an unfavorable opinion (n = 84), while 45.5% (n = 1280) of Muslims have an unfavorable opinion; 28.6% of Catholics and 29.2% of Muslims are undecided. In addition, among Catholics who believe that their doctrine accepts organ donation and transplantation, 70.6% (n = 132) are in favor of donating a corpse compared to those who believe that Catholic doctrine is against (P < .001 ), with only 35% (n = 7) in favor of the donation. CONCLUSIONS: Africans who have converted to Catholicism have a more favorable attitude toward donating their own organs than those who continue in Islam.

Analysis of the Socio-Personal Profile of Latin Americans Living in Spain and the United States: Does It Justify the Differences in Attitude Toward Organ Donation?

INTRODUCTION: There are differences in the attitude toward organ donation between Latin Americans living in Spain and those living in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the socio-personal factors that can condition the difference in attitude toward donation between Latin Americans living in the United States and those living in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants in the study were Latin Americans living in Spain (group A; n=1237) and the United States (Florida) (group B; n=1450), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project (PCID). Inclusion criteria were a sample population stratified by area, country of birth, age, and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Rios.) Participants were randomly selected to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: The attitude in favor of Latin Americans residing in Spain (group A) was 60% (n=745) vs 33% (n=485) of residents in the United States (group B) (P < .001). The socio-personal profile of the Latin Americans in Spain compared with those in the United States indicates that they are mainly women (63.5% vs 43.7%, respectively), younger (31.78 vs 37.31 years, respectively), have more secondary education (21.2% vs 16.3%, respectively) and university studies (11% vs 6%, respectively), are of South American origin vs those who are Mexican and Central American, respectively, and there is a higher percentage of atheists/agnostics (8.1% vs 3.7%). However, the personal profile toward donation is similar in both groups, both for and against organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The personal social profile of the Latin American resident in Spain is different from that of the resident in the United States. However, the psycho-social profile for and against organ donation is similar in both countries.

Knowledge of the Brain Death Concept Among the Puerto Rican Population Residing in Florida.

INTRODUCTION: Puerto Rican and Cuban populations constitute the largest immigrant groups in Florida. This leads to an increase in their involvement in the organ donation and transplantation process (ODT); however, there is very little understanding about their attitude toward and knowledge of related key aspects such as brain death (BD). OBJECTIVE: Analyze knowledge of the BD concept among the Puerto Rican population residing in Florida. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population under study is born in Puerto Rico and residing in Florida. Inclusion criteria was the population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. The assessment instrument was a validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and organ transplantation "PCID-DTO-Ríos." A random selection of people was surveyed according to stratification. Support from immigration assistance associations in Florida was needed to locate potential respondents. Survey completion was anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: Of the 259 respondents, 35% (n = 90) know the BD concept and consider it the death of an individual, 44% (n = 113) do not know it, and 21% (n = 56) do not consider them death. Variables significantly related to the correct knowledge of BD are as follows: sex (P = .012); marital status (P = .043); and couple's opinion (P = .001) and religion (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that persist as significant are being married (odds ratio [OR] = 5.231; P = .002); to know the organ donation and transplantation couple attitude as favorable (OR = 4.819; P = .001) and not being Catholic (OR = 4.090; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Only one third of the Puerto Rican population residing in Florida knows the concept of BD and accepts it as the death of a person.

Nicaraguan Population Residing in Florida Attitude Toward Different Types of Organ Donation.

INTRODUCTION: The population of Nicaraguan immigrants is growing in North America; however, they have been little analyzed concerning their attitude toward donation and organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward the different types of organ donation among the Nicaraguan population residing in Florida. METHODS: Study population. Nicaraguan population residing in Florida (USA). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Population sample over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Attitude questionnaires toward organ donation for transplantation "PCID-DTO-Ríos," "PCID-DVR-Ríos," and "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Setting for the study. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. The assistance of immigrant support associations in Florida was required to locate respondents. RESULTS: Sample composed of 89 participants. In the attitude toward donation of one's own organs after death, 22% (n = 20) were in favor, 41% (n = 36) were against, and 37% (n = 33) were undecided. Regarding the donation of living related organs, 76% were in favor (n = 68), 10% were against (n = 9), and 14% were undecided (n = 12). Finally, regarding attitudes toward the acceptance of organ xenotransplantation, if the results were similar to those obtained with human organs, they were not in favor, with 72% (n = 64) against and 28% (n = 25) doubtful. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of the Nicaraguan population residing in Florida toward different types of organ donation is unfavorable.

Puerto Rican Population Residing in Florida: Attitude Towards Organ Xenotransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Puerto Ricans are one of the majority immigration groups in Florida. However, little is known about their attitudes toward xenotransplantation (XenoTx), a still experimental technique, which is making significant progress. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward XenoTx of organs among the population of Puerto Rican residents in Florida. METHODS: Population under study. Sample taken from the International Collaborative Donor Project and formed by the population born in Puerto Rico and resident in Florida. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Validated questionnaire of attitude toward xenotransplantation "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Setting for the study. Random selection of people to survey based on stratification. Immigrant assistance associations in Florida were consulted to locate potential respondents. RESULTS: Of the 259 respondents, 16% are in favor of XenoTx if the results are similar to those obtained with human organs, 74% are against, and 10% are doubtful. If the results are worse than with human organs, only 2% are in favor, 74% against, and 24% undecided. The variables that are associated with this attitude are the following: sex (P = .001); marital status (P < .001); have offspring (P = .004); level of education (P < .001), opinion of a partner toward donation (P = .008), religious beliefs (P < .001), knowing the opinion toward donation of religion (P < .001), prosocial activity (P < .001), attitude toward donation (P ≤ .001), previous relationship with donation (P < .001), possibility of receiving a transplant in the future (P = .001), and attitude toward donation to a relative (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Puerto Rican population residing in Florida does not hold a favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation.

Population of Cienfuegos (Cuba) and Their Knowledge About the Concept of Brain Death: Multivariate Analysis of the Associated Psychosocial Factors.

INTRODUCTION: The favorable knowledge of the concept of brain death (BD) is a determinant for organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge of the concept of BD in the population of Cienfuegos (Cuba) and determine the factors that condition it. METHODS: Sample of Cubans residing in Cienfuegos (n = 636) stratified by age and sex. The assessment instrument is the validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and transplant, "PCID-DTO-Ríos," self-administered and anonymously filled out. STATISTICS: χ2, Student t test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 636 individuals completed the questionnaire. Fifty percent of participants understood the concept of BD and accept it as a person's death (n = 318). Of the rest, 13.4% (n = 85) did not understand it, and 36.6% (n = 233) had a misconception. The marital status (be married and / or with a partner) of the respondent is associated with the knowledge BD (P < .001) as are the following variables: level of education; offspring; having discussed the issue of donation and transplantation with the family; opinion of the couple toward donation and transplantation; religion; and favorable attitude toward the organ donation and transplant. In the multivariate analysis, the following are independent variables: 1. studies (odds ratio [OR] = 4.664; P = .002); 2. has no offspring (OR = 3.129; P < .001); 3. has commented on it in the family nucleus (OR = 2.759; P < .001); 4. despite having an opinion against (OR = 16.999; P < .001); 5. religion (OR = 1.878; P = .042); and 6. favorable attitude toward the donation of cadaver organs (OR = 2.026; P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the population of Cienfuegos knows and accepts the concept of BD as the death of an individual, associating said acceptance with a favorable attitude toward organ donation.

Acceptance of Solid Organ Xenotransplantation by the Ecuadorian Population Residing in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Ecuadorians are the largest immigrant group in Spain. In countries with preclinical programs of xenotransplantation (XenoTx), it is important to know the population attitude toward them; however, in the Ecuadorian population it is not known. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward XenoTx of organs among the Ecuadorian population residing in Spain. METHODS: Population under study. Ecuadorians residing in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Validated questionnaire of attitude towards xenotransplantation PCID-XenoTx-Ríos. Setting for the study. Random selection of people to survey based on stratification. RESULTS: Of the 461 respondents, 36% are in favor of XenoTx if the results were similar to those obtained with humans, 15% against, and 49% undecided. If the results were worse than with human organs, 11% would be in favor, 26% against, and 63% undecided. The variables associated with this attitude are age (P = .018), marital status (P = .026), studies (P < .001), comment with family (P = .001), couple attitude (P = .039), attitude toward cadaveric donation (P < .001), previous experience with donation (P = .001), consider the possibility of needing a transplant in the future (P < .001), and attitude toward related living donation (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, these data persist: university studies (odds ratio [OR] = 3.875; P = .007); in favor of cadaveric organ donation (OR = 2.840; P < .001); previous relationship with donation and organ transplantation (OR = 1.901; P = .026); and consider the possibility of needing a transplant in the future (OR = 4.329; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward XenoTx among Ecuadorian residents in Spain is unfavorable and is conditioned by different psychosocial variables.

Are Ghanaians Residing in Spain Aware of the Donation of Living Related Kidney?

INTRODUCTION: The population of Ghana has an emerging migratory flow to Europe and especially to Spain. Therefore, there is an increase in waiting lists in kidney transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward related living kidney donation (LKD) among the population born in Ghana and residing in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population under study. Population born in Ghana and resident in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex, according to census data and immigrant assistance associations. INSTRUMENT: Validated attitude questionnaire toward LKD "PCID-DVR-Ríos." Field work. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: A total of 237 respondents have been included in the study. 72% are in favor of LKD, not just related. The remaining 28% do not accept the related living donation or have doubts about it. Respondents in favor of the related LKD have a more positive attitude toward ODT (P < .001). The attitude toward related LKD is linked to socio-personal factors, knowledge factors about the donation and organ transplantation process, social interaction factors, attitude factors toward the body, religious factors, and the risk assessment that comes with a living donation (P < .05). In the multivariate analysis persists: the attitude toward the cadaveric OTD (odds ratio [OR] = 6.993), perform pro-social activities (OR = 14.084), fear of body mutilation (OR = 20.408) and renal risk (OR = 29.411). CONCLUSIONS: The Ghanaian population immigrating to Spain has an unfavorable attitude toward related LKD compared with existing studies of Western European and Spanish populations, which is conditioned by multiple psychosocial factors.

Predisposition Toward Living Liver Donation Is Low Among Relatives of Patients on the Waiting List for Transplantation in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The attitude toward living liver donation (LLD) among the Spanish population is mostly positive; however, the reality is that liver transplants from live donations are currently minimal. Given this situation, studies that analyze these discrepancies should be carried out. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward LLD among family members of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. METHOD: Population under study. First-degree relatives of the patients included in the waiting list for liver transplantation. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Have the patient's authorization for family members to participate; 2. Accept, the relative, to participate in this investigation; and 3. Be over 18 years old. Opinion survey. The attitude toward LLD is assessed through a questionnaire on psychosocial aspects. RESULTS: Patients who accepted family members' participation in the study were 21 of 112, of which 9 placed restrictions on family access, and 12 authorized family members without restrictions. The participants were 1. children: 52.2% (n = 24); 2. brothers: 30.5% (n = 14); and 3. partners: 17.3% (n = 14). Finally, the authorized relatives and participants in the study were 45. Of these, only 44% (n = 20) would accept to be donors. CONCLUSIONS: The access to the LLD of the relatives starts from the restriction and initial rejection of the patients themselves on the waiting list. The promotion of LDD is to initially sensitize patients.

Population of Senegal Residents in Spain: Acceptance of Organ Xenotransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Spain is a great receptor of immigration from sub-Saharan people like the Senegalese. This population is not very familiar with the process of organ donation and transplantation, and even less toward new therapies related to transplantation, such as xenotransplantation (XenoTx). OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward XenoTx among the Senegalese population living in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population under study. Population born in Senegal and resident in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex, according to census data and immigrant assistance associations. INSTRUMENT: Validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and organ transplantation "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Field work. Random selection of respondents based on stratification. The support of immigration support associations was required to obtain sample locations. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: A sample of 468 Senegalese was obtained. Twenty percent (n = 92) would accept a solid organ xenotransplant if the results were similar to human organs, 40% (n = 188) have doubts, and 40% (n = 188) would not accept it. If the results were worse than with human organs, only 8% would accept it (n = 38). Respondents with a favorable attitude toward XenoTx presented a more favorable attitude toward cadaveric donation (70.5% vs 31.3%; P < .001). The attitude toward acceptance of XenoTx is related to socio-personal factors (P < .05), knowledge about the process of organ donation and transplantation (P < .05), social interaction factors (P < .001), and religious factors (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Senegalese residing in Spain do not have a favorable attitude toward XenoTx. A direct relationship between the attitude toward XenoTx and organ donation is observed.

Does Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death Affect the Attitude Toward Donation of Algerians Residing in Spain?

INTRODUCTION: Algeria is an important source of immigrants to Europe. A population with a low culture of donation and transplantation and little knowledge of related concepts such as brain death (BD). OBJECTIVE: Analyze the knowledge and acceptance of the BD concept of the population born in Algeria and residing in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population under study. Population born in Algeria and resident in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. INSTRUMENT: Attitude validated questionnaire for organ donation for transplant PCID-DTO-Ríos. Field work. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: A total of 441 respondents have been included in the study; of these, 27.2% know the concept of BD and accept it as a person's death. Of the rest, 18% do not know or have doubts about the concept, and 54% have a misconception or do not accept it as the death of a person. Those who know the concept of BD have a more favorable attitude toward donation (P = .001). When making the correlation to see which psychosocial factors are related to the knowledge of the concept of brain death, it is obtained that those respondents who have spoken with family about organ transplantation have a better knowledge of it (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Algerian population immigrating to Spain has little knowledge of the BD concept, which has a direct relationship to their attitude toward organ donation. The family-level approach to the donation and transplant process sensitizes and improves the knowledge of this concept.

Attitude Toward Related Living Donation Among Patients on Waiting List for Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: In liver transplantation, living donation shows better and better results. However, rates of living liver donation (LLD) are low. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude towards LLD among patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. METHOD: Study population: Patients included in the waiting list for liver transplantation who are not in code 0 and do not present with encephalopathy above grade I. PROTOCOL: After being included in the waiting list, they are informed of the study and they are cited in the Psychology Consultation. INSTRUMENTS: attitude questionnaire towards LLD, carried out in the Psychological Care consultation. RESULTS: Of the 147 patients included in the waiting list, 112 fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the study. After being cited in the consultation, 100% of respondents are in favor of living liver donation. However, when considering the related LLD, 80% of the respondents indicated that they would not accept a living donation from a family member and therefore did not want to complete the questionnaire. Of the remaining 20% who completed the study, 11% would accept it from any family member, 8% only from some family members (mainly excluding children and grandchildren), and the remaining 1% would accept it but excluded all their family members. CONCLUSION: Currently, there is a disconnect between patients' intentions in favor of living liver donation and the real attitude when they are on the waiting list and related living donation is raised.

Is the Population of Santiago de Cuba Sensitized to Xenotransplantation? A Multivariate Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: New transplant-related therapies such as xenotransplantation of solid cells, tissues, and organs are still poorly understood, especially in countries without preclinical xenotransplantation programs. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the population of Santiago de Cuba. METHOD: Type of study. Cross-sectional observational study. SAMPLE: Random sampling of 455 individuals residing in Santiago de Cuba. Assessment instrument. Validated questionnaire of attitude toward the xenotransplant, "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Field work. Random selection based on stratification. Anonymous and self-administered completion. RESULTS: A total of 49.9% would accept a solid organ xenotransplant if they needed it and the results were similar to those currently obtained with human organs, 27.5% have doubts, and the remaining 22.6% would not accept it. They are presented as statistically significant variables (P < .05): level of studies; comment with the family about the donation; opinion of a partner; religion; opinion of religion; performing prosocial activities; attitude toward donation; previous relationship with the organ donation and transplant; favorable attitude toward live kidney donation. In the multivariate analysis, the following persist: 1. level of university studies: odds ratio (OR) = 5.076; 2. not having a partner: OR = 5.154; 3. belonging to another religion: OR = 2.061; 4. favorable attitude toward organ donation: OR = 5; and 5. favorable attitude toward living donation: OR = 3.759. CONCLUSIONS: The population of Santiago de Cuba is less sensitized toward xenotransplantation, possibly due to ignorance of the issue due to lack of preclinical trials in their countries.

Ecuadorian Population Residing in Spain and Their Knowledge of Brain Death Concept.

BACKGROUND: The Ecuadorian population forms the largest Latin American immigrant group in Spain. However, their knowledge about the brain death (BD) concept and the relationship with the attitude toward organ donation has been little analyzed. The objective of the study is to analyze the knowledge of the BD concept among the Ecuadorian population resident in Spain. METHODS: The population under study was the population born in Ecuador and resident in Spain. Inclusion criterion was age older than 15 years stratified by age and sex. The assessment instrument was PCID-DTO-Ríos, a validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and organ transplantation. Field work involved random selection of respondents based on stratification. The support of immigration support associations was required to obtain sample locations. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: Of the 461 respondents, 22% (n =102) know the BD concept and accept it as the death of the person; 61% (n = 283) do not know it; and for 17% (n = 76) it does not mean the death of the person. The variables related to the correct knowledge of BD are age (P = .007) and marital status (P = .028), with age persisting in the multivariate study (odds ratio, 1.036; P = .008). There is no objective relationship with the attitude toward organ donation. Thus, 60% of those who know the concept are in favor of donating (n = 61), and 59% of those who do not know it are in favor (n = 210; P = .813). CONCLUSIONS: The BD concept is little known among Ecuadorians residing in Spain, and it is not associated with the attitude toward donation.

Implicaciones de la edad y el país de pertenencia en la relación entre apoyo emocional percibido y depresión: un estudio transcultural / Implications of age and country of membership in the relationship between perceived emotional support and depression: a cross-cultural study

En el presente trabajo nos proponemos profundizar en el estudio de las implicaciones que la edad y los factores de tipo cultural asociados a la nacionalidad, puedan presentar respecto a la relación entre apoyo social y depresión. Con este objetivo, se ha entrevistado a una muestra total de 1503 personas de edad adulta (jóvenes, adultos y personas de edad avanzada) pertenecientes a España, Cuba y México. Para la evaluación de la depresión, se ha empleado el cuestionario CES-D, mientras que para la evaluación del apoyo emocional percibido y la satisfacción con el mismo, se aplicó un modelo estructurado de autoinforme elaborado por nosotros en el que se recoge la percepción de disponibilidad de apoyo emocional en diferentes fuentes (pareja, familiares, amigos, compañeros, vecinos) y la satisfacción con el mismo. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la relación obtenida entre apoyo emocional percibido según distintas fuentes y los valores en sintomatología depresiva está sujeta a variaciones en función de las influencias culturales asociadas al país de pertenencia de los sujetos entrevistados, y a su edad, así como a la interacción entre ambas variables

The purpose of this study has been to analyze the implications that the age and the cultural factors associated with the nationality, to submit to the relationship between social support and depression. With this goal, has interviewed a total sample of 1503 persons of adult age (young people, adults and elderly) belonging to Spain, Cuba and Mexico. For the evaluation of the depression, has been used the questionnaire CES-D, while for the assessment of emotional support perceived and satisfaction with the same we applied a formal model of self-evaluation report prepared by us which gathers the perception of availability of emotional support from various sources (partner, family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors) and their satisfaction with the same. The results obtained indicate that the relationship obtained between emotional support according to different sources and values in depressive symptomatology is subject to changes depending on the cultural influences associated to the country of origin of those interviewed, and his age, as well as the interaction between both variables

The Latin American population in Spain and organ donation. Attitude toward deceased organ donation and organ donation rates.

UNLABELLED: The Latin American (LA) population has similarities with the Spanish population which makes its integration into Spanish society easier. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Latin American citizens residing in Spain, to determine the psychosocial variables which affect this attitude, and to examine the correlation between donation rates of LA citizens in Spain and in their countries of origin. A random sample of LA residents in Spain was taken and stratified according to the respondent's nationality (n = 1.314), in the year 2010. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Dr Rios). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test, the χ(2) test, and logistic regression analysis. There was a 94% completion rate (n = 1.237). Attitude toward donation was favorable in 60% of cases (n = 745), 12% (n = 145) were against, and 28% (n = 347) were undecided. The following variables were associated with attitude toward donation: sex (P = 0.038), level of formal education (P < 0.001), country of origin (P = 0.002), attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs (P < 0.001), having discussed donation with the family (P < 0.001), carrying out prosocial activities (P = 0.025), attitude toward cremation of the body (P < 0.001), attitude toward burial of the body (P < 0.001), attitude toward having an autopsy carried out (P < 0.001), previous experience of the organ donation and transplantation process (P < 0.001), fear of mutilation after donation (P < 0.001), knowledge that the Church has a positive attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (P < 0.001), knowledge of one's partner's attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001), and a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (P < 0.001). The donation rates in this population group in Spain are higher than those recorded in their countries of origin (55.76 vs. <10 pmp; P < 0.001). The attitude toward organ donation among LA citizens residing in Spain is slightly worse than that reported in the native Spanish population and is determined by many psychosocial factors. The donation rates of LA citizens in Spain are higher than those in their countries of origin.

Implicaciones de la edad y el género respecto a la depresión en ancianos / No disponible

Fundamentos: Nuestro estudio tiene como objetivo delimitar si existe una influencia recíproca entre el género y la edad respecto a la depresión en ancianos. Métodos: La muestra está formada por 237 sujetos mayores de 65 años pertenecientes a la Región de Murcia, 124 mujeres y 113 hombres. Para dicha muestra, se han realizado análisis de varianza y de correlación para el estudio de la relación edad-género-depresión. La muestra se ha dividido en distintos grupos según la edad para analizar el efecto de ésta en la depresión. Resultados: Se ha obtenido una relación estadísticamente significativa entre género y depresión pero no entre edady depresión. Conclusiones: Según nuestro trabajo, ser mujer se asocia a mayores puntuaciones en depresión en los ancianos con independencia de la edad, mientras que la edad no se ha mostrado determinante en la existencia de fluctuaciones en los valores de depresión en la población anciana (AU)

Foundations: The purpose of this study is to identify whether age and gender in elderly people has any influence in their depression. Methods: We have worked with 237 individuals for this survey from 65 years old on wards. They all belong to the Region of Murcia. 124 of them are women and 113 are men. We have carried out analysis of variance and correlation for the study of the relation ship among age, gender and depression.The individuals have been divided in different groups according to their age facilitating the observation of age in depression. Results: A significant relationship has been determined between gender and depression but not between age and depression. Conclusions: As a result we can say that gender - olderwomen - scores higher punctuations in depression with independence of their age. However age has not shown to be decisive in elderly depression (AU)

Desarrollo y validación de un instrumento para la evaluación de la depresión en ancianos / Development and validation of a psychometric instrument for the assessment of elderly depression

La depresión es uno de los trastornos psicológicos de mayor importancia en población gerontológica, sin embargo, en muchos casos las alteraciones depresivas pueden pasar desapercibidas o enmascaradas ante las quejas somáticas del anciano, o sus síntomas ser atribuidos al propio proceso de envejecimiento. A esto hay que añadir que el paciente anciano tiende a no pedir ayuda especializada en centros de salud mental. El diagnóstico correcto de los problemas emocionales del anciano deprimido se convierte, por tanto, en una cuestión de extraordinaria importancia. En el presente trabajo se presenta un nuevo instrumento específico para la evaluación de la depresión en ancianos, que cuenta, entre otras características, con la ventaja de requerir un tiempo mínimo de aplicación y pocos conocimientos de psicopatología. Los resultados iniciales apuntan una extraordinaria sensibilidad y especificidad respecto a criterios DSM-IV-TR, no obstante, se señala la necesidad de realizar nuevos estudios con un mayor volumen de población clínica

Depression is one of the main the psychological disorders in the gerontological population. However, in many cases the depressive alterations can go unnoticed or masked by the elderly´s somatic complaints; or even the depressive symptoms can be ascribe to the own aging process. Moreover, it has to be added that old patients tend not to request help to specialised mental health centres. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of the depressed elderly’s emotional problems becomes into a question of extraordinary importance. In this work is presented a new specific instrument for the evaluation of depression in the elderly people which has, among other characteristics, the advantage of requiring a little time to its application and a low knowledge on psychopathology. The initial results show an extraordinary sensitivity and specificity regarding to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Nevertheless, further studies with a higher number of clinical populations are necessary to confirm and enlarge these preliminary results