Student nurses at Spanish universities and their attitude toward xenotransplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Recent immunological and transgenic advances are a promising alternative using limited materials of human origin for transplantation. However, it is essential to achieve social acceptance of this therapy.Objective: To analyze the attitude of nursing students from Spanish universities toward organ xenotransplantation (XTx) and to determine the factors affecting their attitude.Materials and methods: Type of study: A sociological, multicentre, and observational study. Study population: Nursing students enrolled in Spain (n = 28,000). Sample size:A sample of 10 566 students estimating a proportion of 76% (99% confidence and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and year of study. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire (PCID-XenoTx-RIOS) was handed out to every student in a compulsory session. This survey was self-administered and selfcompleted voluntarily and anonymously by each student in a period of 5-10 min.Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis, Student's t test, the chi-square test, and a logistic regression analysis.Results: A completion rate: 84% (n = 8913) was obtained. If the results of XTx were as good as in human donation, 74% (n = 6564) would be in favor and 22% (n = 1946) would have doubts. The following variables affected this attitude: age (P < 0.001); sex (P < 0.001); geographical location (P < 0.001); academic year of study (P < 0.001); attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (P < 0.001); discussion of transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); and the opinion of one's partner (P < 0.001). The following variables persisted in the multivariate analysis: being a male (OR = 1.436; P < 0.001); geographical location (OR = 1.937; P < 0.001); an attitude in favor of donation (OR = 1.519; P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (OR = 1.497; P = 0.036);and having spoken about the issue with family (OR = 1.351; P < 0.001) or friends (OR = 1.240; P = 0.001). Conclusions:The attitude of nursing students toward organ XTx is favorable and is associated with factors of general knowledge about organ donation and transplantation and social interaction. K E Y W O R D S attitude, knowledge, Organ xenotransplantation, student nurses 1 | INTRODUC TI ON Due to this organ shortage and the increase in the indications for transplantation, there are increasing numbers of patients on the waiting list with the mortality that this brings with it. 1 In the search for definitive solutions, there is continued research into xenotransplantation (XTx) in order to attempt to obtain an inexhaustible source of cells and organs. 2,3 Although clinical XTx is not a reality at present, in preclinical trials it has been possible to obtain a functioning pig-baboon model. 6 Therefore, in vital organs and in emergency situations, XTx could be used as a bridge while waiting for a human organ. 7,8

Xenotransplantation literature update, May/June 2019

“…Gaining professional perspective on xenotransplantation, Martínez Alarcón et al evaluated the attitude of student nurses at Spanish universities. They discussed the importance of healthcare professionals in providing xenoalternatives where available in practice .…”

“…Gaining professional perspective on xenotransplantation, Martínez Alarcón et al evaluated the attitude of student nurses at Spanish universities. They discussed the importance of healthcare professionals in providing xenoalternatives where available in practice . Drawing particular attention to Spain, where current preclinical xenotransplant programs are already in place with preexisting data suggesting possible lack of support for the clinical use of xenotransplantation .…”

“…They discussed the importance of healthcare professionals in providing xenoalternatives where available in practice . Drawing particular attention to Spain, where current preclinical xenotransplant programs are already in place with preexisting data suggesting possible lack of support for the clinical use of xenotransplantation . They performed a sociological, multi‐center, observational study, sampling over 10 000 Spanish nursing students using a standardized questionnaire handed out to students in a compulsory session .…”

“…As expected, it was found that many factors influence professional opinions on potential treatment options. Martínez Alarcón et al cover many of these in their article and provide a repeatable methodology for additional studies. Given the current sociopolitical climate, studies like this could also be important in many aspects of xenotransplantation research and impact the funding of clinical trials.…”

“…Additionally, Terlecki et al researched bovine pericardial xenografts, Roderjan et al studied porcine semilunar heart valves, and Grebenik et al looked deeper into xenopericardial biomeshes. MartínezAlarcón et al performed a social study, focusing on the clinical perspective of xenotransplantation.…”