Is the Population of Santiago de Cuba Sensitized to Xenotransplantation? A Multivariate Analysis
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Antonio Ríos1, Ana I López-Navas2, Joaquín Carrillo3
1International Collaborative Donor Project ("Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante"), Murcia, Spain; Transplant Unit, Surgery Service, IMIB - Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital, Murcia, Spain; Department of Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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.
Insights
Public acceptance of xenotransplantation is low in Santiago de Cuba, with less than half willing to accept organ transplants. Lack of local preclinical trials may contribute to this limited public sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation research
- Medical ethics
- Public health
Background:
- Xenotransplantation, involving animal-to-human organ transplants, is a developing field with limited understanding, particularly in regions lacking preclinical research programs.
- Public perception and acceptance are crucial for the future implementation of xenotransplantation therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the general population's attitude towards xenotransplantation in Santiago de Cuba.
- To identify factors influencing acceptance or rejection of xenotransplantation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study was conducted.
- A random sample of 455 individuals in Santiago de Cuba completed a validated questionnaire on attitudes toward xenotransplantation (PCID-XenoTx-Ríos).
- Data were collected anonymously and self-administered.
Main Results:
- Nearly 50% of participants would accept a xenotransplant if outcomes were comparable to human transplants; 27.5% expressed doubts, and 22.6% rejected it.
- Key factors positively associated with acceptance included higher education levels, discussing donation with family, favorable attitudes towards organ and living donation, and having a partner.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed that higher education, not having a partner, belonging to a non-majority religion, and positive attitudes toward organ donation significantly influenced acceptance.
Conclusions:
- The population in Santiago de Cuba exhibits limited sensitization towards xenotransplantation.
- Ignorance, potentially stemming from the absence of local preclinical xenotransplantation trials, appears to be a significant factor influencing public attitudes.
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