Attitudes of Latin American Immigrants Resident in Florida (United States) Toward Related Living Kidney Donation

Abstract

Introduction: Latin American immigrants comprise an important population group in the United States. The purpose of this study was to analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation found among Latin American citizens who are residents in Florida and to identify the psychosocial variables affecting their attitude. Material and Methods: A sample of Latin American residents in the state of Florida was randomly obtained and stratified by nationality, age, and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed through a validated questionnaire that was self-administered and completed anonymously. Descriptive, Student t test and the χ2 test were used to analyze findings. Results: The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (N = 1433), with 59% (n = 845) in favor of related living donation, 40% (n = 571) were opposed to donation, with the remaining 1% (n = 17) undecided. The following variables were related to attitude toward living donation: country of origin ( P < .001), marital status ( P < .001), having descendants ( P = .004), educational background ( P < 0.001), having had previous experience of donation and transplantation ( P < .001), attitude toward deceased donation ( P < .001), considering the possibility of needing a transplant ( P < .001), the respondent’s partner’s opinion ( P < .001), having considered the subject with one’s family ( P < .001), having carried out prosocial type activities ( P < .001), the respondent’s religion ( P < .001), knowing that one’s religion is in favor of this therapy ( P < .001), concern about mutilation after donation ( P < .001), and considerations of the risks of living donation ( P < .001). Conclusions: The attitude toward related living kidney donation of Latin American residents in Florida is not very favorable (only 59%).