Algerian Immigrants to Spain: Study of Attitude to the Donation of Organs for Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION

Many Africans are emigrating to the European Economic Community from countries with little knowledge of transplantation. This population has not yet been studied.

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the attitude toward donation among the Algerian population living in Spain.

METHODS

We studied the population born in Algeria and residing in Spain, over 15 years old, and stratified by age and sex. Attitude was surveyed using a questionnaire of organ donation for transplantation ("PCID-DTO Ríos"). Support from African immigration associations was needed to advise on the location of potential respondents. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Verbal consent was obtained to assist in the study.

RESULTS

Of the 441 respondents, 27% (n = 119) were in favor of donation after death, 43% (n = 191) were against, and 30% (n = 131) were undecided. The variables associated with the attitude toward the donation were sex (P = .033), having offspring (P = .027), having commented on the subject of organ transplantation at the family level (P < .001), attitude (P < .001), religion (P < .001), and partner's opinion on organ donation and transplantation (P < .001). Only 16% of the respondents have known a transplant recipient or donor, with this subgroup having the most favorable attitude (68% vs 19%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Algerian population emigrant to Spain has a very unfriendly attitude toward the donation of their own organs.