The attitude of future journalists toward living donation

The attitude of journalism students toward living donation (LD) could influence public opinion and help to promote this treatment option. We sought to analyze the attitude of journalism students toward LD and the factors that affect this attitude.

We surveyed journalism students in the academic year 2005-2006 (N = 129). We used a validated psychosocial questionnaire (self-administered and anonymous) about organ donation and transplantation. Students were recruited in compulsory classes; the Student t-test and the chi(2) test were applied. The control group consisted of a sample of the native population (n = 2000).

The questionnaire completion rate was 98% (n = 126). Regarding related living liver donation, 75% (n = 94) would be willing to donate a liver segment; 25% (n = 31) would refuse. Only 14% (n = 18) would donate part of their liver to an unrelated person if needed, 24% (n = 30) are against, and 62% (n = 78) are undecided. For living kidney donation, 85% (n = 107) would donate a kidney to a family member; 15% (n = 19) would refuse. Only 24% (n = 31) are in favor if donation were unrelated, 17% (n = 21) against, and 59% (n = 74) have doubts. The attitude toward LD is more favorable among those who would be willing to donate their organs upon death (P = .012 for the liver and P = .000 for the kidney); those who would accept part of a liver from a family member (P = .000); or those who would accept a kidney (P = .001); or would donate a kidney to an unrelated recipient while alive (P = .001) and liver (P = .003).

Journalism students have a favorable attitude, which could be useful to keep society informed about the matter.