Attitude of the Population of German Origin in the South East of Spain toward Living Kidney Donation

Background: There is an increasing population of German origin living in the South East of Spain. Objective: To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation in this population subgroup. Methods: A sample of German residents in the South East of Spain was taken randomly (n = 250) (November 2005-April 2006). Attitude was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. The control group comprised native Spanish citizens (n = 500). Results: The questionnaire completion rate was 87% (n = 218). Most respondents (92%, n = 201) are in favor of living-related donation. The following variables are related to attitude to donation: (1) marital status of the respondent (p = 0.002); ( 2) level of education (p < 0.001); (3) attitude toward cadaveric donation (p = 0.005); (4) having had previous experience with the donation and transplantation process (p < 0.001); ( 5) the respondent's religion ( p = 0.002); ( 6) the risk that they believe is involved in living kidney donation (p = 0.001), and (7) concern about 'mutilation' that could be caused by living donation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Attitude toward related living kidney donation of German residents in the South East of Spain is favorable and is closely related to attitude toward cadaveric donation, fear of the after-effects of this type of donation and religious attitude. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel