Psychosocial Profile of the Attitude Toward Family Organ Donation in People Older Than 65 Years

Background. The population over 65 years of age is key in the decision to donate organs in its different aspects. We sought to analyze the attitude toward organ donation from a relative among people over 65 years of age and to determine the psychosocial variables that may influence their attitude.Methods. The study population consisted of citizens over 65 years of age. A representative sample was obtained in southeastern Spain (N = 420). A questionnaire about attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) was used. Several psycho-social variables were also taken into account. Statistical analysis included the X-2 test and multivariate analysis.Results. The completion rate was 84% (n = 351). The favorable attitude toward organ donation from a relative was 53% (n = 184). The univariate analysis showed the influence of information variables, conversations on the subject with family and friends, meeting a donor, acceptance of cremation and autopsy, not being afraid of scars after donation, and carrying out prosocial activities (P < .05). In the multivariate analysis, the desire to carry out activities related to the ODT (odds ratio [OR] 2.06) and the favorable opinion of the partner (OR 3.72) persisted.Conclusions. The attitude of older people toward organ donation from a relative is unfavorable. This attitude is influenced by various factors, including dialogue with family and friends and the fact that the partner has a favorable opinion regarding this issue. It is important to carry out training activities on ODT in this group in order not to have a negative impact on organ dona-tion rates in the coming years.