Acceptance of xenotransplantation by patients waiting for organ donation: A qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the acceptance and barriers to xenotransplantation in patients waiting for organ transplantation.MethodsIt is qualitative and descriptive research. It was completed with 18 patients receiving treatment and waiting for organ transplantation in a dialysis center located in the inner region of Turkey between January 26, 2023 and February 3, 2023. Data were collected with an introductory information form and a semi‐structured interview form. The research data were collected through face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data. In line with the goal of reaching data saturation, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants who were open to communication.ResultsTwo main themes, “Values” and “Thoughts”, and five sub‐themes, “social and religious values, positive, negative and future thoughts”, were identified. Thirteen codes were created including “not being understood by the society, xenotransplantation prejudice, fear of ridicule and exclusion, religious pressure, desire for unconditional acceptance/rejection” and “thought of survival, hope, thought of sinning, submission to doctors, the attitude of religious men and excessive demand”.ConclusionsPatients awaiting organ transplantation need religious, social, and community support for xenotransplantation.

Xenotransplantation literature update March 2023–November 2023

“…Conversely, among 18 patients awaiting kidney donations while on dialysis in Turkey, it was observed that factors such as prejudice, fear of ridicule, religious pressure, and religious beliefs were mentioned as key considerations by the participants 21 . Likewise, within the demographic of African immigrants residing in Spain, the prevailing sentiment regarding xenotransplantation was predominantly unfavorable and influenced by a multitude of psychosocial factors 22 .…”

Moral approval of xenotransplantation in Egypt: associations with religion, attitudes towards animals and demographic factors

“…For example, one study in Turkey found that “social and religious values, positive, negative and future thoughts” were a recurrent theme in participants’ views on xenotransplantation. However, more thorough, survey-based quantitative studies in Muslim countries are needed to assess people’s attitudes towards xenotransplantation [ 25 ]. That is the main objective of this study.…”