The New Age of Organ Donation—What Factors Have an Influence on the Attitude of Older People? An Attitudinal Survey in Southeastern Spain

Abstract

Currently, more than half of all donors are aged over 65 years, and previous studies have shown that this group is less willing to support organ donation. Objective: to analyse the attitude of people aged over 65 years toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) and to determine how their psychosocial profile affects their attitude. Study population: citizens residing in southeastern Spain older than 65 years of age. A representative sample was obtained, which was stratified by gender and geographical location (n = 420). A validated questionnaire about ODT was used. Statistical analysis: a bivariate analysis was performed using the X2 test and a multivariate analysis. The favourable attitude toward the donation of one’s own organs was 53%. The psychosocial variables affecting attitude were mainly: having discussed ODT with one’s family (p < 0.001) or friends (OR 2.223), acceptance of cremation (OR 2.508), and acceptance of an autopsy (OR 2.578). Citizens aged over 65 tend to have an unfavourable attitude toward the donation of their own organs. The lack of dialogue about ODT in social and family settings, and the attitude to the manipulation of one’s own body after death, are aspects of a respondent’s psychosocial profile, which influence this attitude.

Is Medical Success of Donation and Transplantation, A Rewarding Ethical and Social Progress?

“…In the US, the cremation rate was 53.1% in 2018. In a recent study, acceptance of cremation is associated with a better attitude towards organ donation, and acceptance of autopsy [22].…”

Factors influencing decision making on donating organs for transplantation in the opinion of the respondents - study using the CAWI method

“…Zmiennymi psychospołecznymi wpływającymi na postawę były głównie: poruszanie tematu dawstwa z rodziną (p < 0,001) lub przyjaciółmi. Ankietowani w wieku powyżej 65 lat mają raczej niechętny stosunek do dawstwa własnych narządów [14,15].…”

Fueling the success of transplantation through nutrition: recent insights into nutritional interventions, their interplay with gut microbiota and cellular mechanisms

“…Facing the rise in life expectancy and organ failure due to an aging society there is an increasing need for solid organ transplantations, which is unfortunately counteracted by a decrease in healthy organ donations [1]. Simultaneously, potential solid organ donors as well as organ recipients are getting older and multimorbid so that interventions to preserve organ function and to facilitate recovery from surgery are gaining interest.…”