Teenager donation: investigation of 848 high school students

The aims of this study were to quantify donors among the investigated area, quantify arguments and myths about the donation and transplantation process, and fix predetermined donation variables in a logistical model.

We used an analytical, prospective design, using 848 students from 13 high schools in the Velez Sarsfield Hospital area in an open-closed inquiry.

Females were 57.74% and average age was 16.64 +/- 0.06 years, including 65.09% Catholics. The 642 potential donors represented 75% of the study population with the fundamental aim being to "give life" (44.85%). The 193 (22.75%) opposed subjects cited as a principal reason fear and distrust (40.41%). There were 40.21% who had discussed the donation subject with their families. In our study 76.41% believed that human organ traffic exists and 36.88% thought that it is due to corruption. Also, 56.01% fear premature extraction of their organs. In addition, 73.23% of teenagers considered that individuals who refused to donate have the right to receive organs (P = not significant between donors and not a donor). The family discussion and the lack of fear about premature extraction were donation signals. About the low level of donation 43.27% blamed the government (lack of campaigns, information, and knowledge) whereas other reasons were fear, lack of clarity and distrust. In our study 49.17% seemed to wish to increase donation if they received more information.

Individuals predispose to donation represented the great majority of the queried teenagers; education and family discussion were remarkable factors favoring the decision.