Discriminant variables between organ donors and nondonors: a post hoc investigation.
BACKGROUND
Few studies in organ donation have focused on the attitudes and opinions of families who were asked to donate the organs of a deceased relative.


OBJECTIVE
To determine what variables influenced a family's decision to donate.


METHODS
Post hoc investigation using a survey.


METHODS
Málaga, Spain.


METHODS
Seventy-one people who had been approached for the donation of their deceased relatives' organs at a single hospital.


METHODS
Consent to donate.


RESULTS
Based on a stepwise discriminant function analysis, the following variables played a determining role in a family member's decision to donate: (1) the expressed wish of the deceased, (2) having a clear understanding of the definition of "brain death." (3) the manners and approach of the doctors, (4) the hospital facilities, (5) concerns regarding the donation process, and (6) educational level.


CONCLUSIONS
Prodonation campaigns geared toward the public and hospital staff should focus on specific objectives to increase the likelihood of consent for organ donation.
Rosel
J
J
University of Castellón, Spain.
Frutos
M A
MA
Blanca
M J
MJ
Ruiz
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016312:Treatment Refusal