title: Motivations, outcomes, and characteristics of unspecified (nondirected altruistic) kidney donors in the United Kingdom.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Unspecified (nondirected altruistic) kidney donation is becoming increasingly common in the United Kingdom. Questions regarding motivation and characteristics of these donors persist, alongside concerns about regret and long-term psychosocial outcomes. The aims of this study were to compare psychosocial and physical outcomes in unspecified kidney donors (UKDs) versus specified kidney donors (SKDs).
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a cross-sectional study, in which a detailed assessment of psychosocial outcomes was made using validated questionnaires. Additional questions specific to donation were also asked, including questions regarding motivation, regret, and anonymity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred ninety responses were received from 296 participants studied (110 UKDs [74.3%] vs. 80 SKDs [54.1%], P<0.001). Unspecified kidney donors were older (54 years vs. 44 years; P<0.001), predominantly white (99.1% vs. 78.5%; P<0.001), and donated more recently (1.3 years vs. 2.6 years; P<0.001). There was no difference in psychiatric history or personality type, or current depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, or well-being between the groups (P>0.05). Unspecified kidney donors were more engaged in other altruistic behaviours (P<0.001). There was no difference in physical outcomes, although UKDs recovered quicker (P<0.001). Regret was low (3.7% UKDs vs. 7.5% SKDs; P=0.078).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has demonstrated that UKDs have comparable physical and psychosocial outcomes to SKDs. These favorable outcomes may be, in part, because of the rigorous evaluation process which currently includes a mental health assessment. We conclude that the program can continue to expand safely across the United Kingdom.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Transplantation, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. 2 Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. 3 NHS Blood and Transplant, Organ Donation and Transplantation Directorate, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, United Kingdom. 4 Queen Alexandra Hospital, Hampshire, United Kingdom. 5 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, York Clinic, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. 6 Address correspondence to: Nizam Mamode, F.R.C.S., Department of Transplantation, 6th Floor Renal Offices, Borough Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Maple
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chilcot
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Burnapp
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gibbs
authors.forename: Alastair
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santhouse
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Norton
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weinman
authors.forename: Nizam
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mamode
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000533:Altruism; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000941:ethics*; D019520:Living Donors / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009392:Nephrectomy; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult