Acceptance of living liver donation among medical students: A multicenter stratified study from Spain

AIM: To analyze the attitude of Spanish medical students toward living liver donation (LLD) and to establish which factors have an influence on this attitude. METHODS: Study type: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicenter and observational study. Study population: Medical students enrolled in Spain (n = 34000) in the university academic year 2010-2011. Sample size: A sample of 9598 students stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument used to measure attitude: A validated questionnaire (PCID-DVH RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. Data collection procedure: Randomly selected medical schools. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions. Statistical analysis: Student's t test, chi(2) test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9275). 89% (n = 8258) were in favor of related LLD, and 32% (n = 2937) supported unrelated LLD. The following variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude: (1) age (p = 0.008); (2) sex (p < 0.001); (3) academic year (p < 0.001); (4) geographical area (p = 0.013); (5) believing in the possibility of needing a transplant oneself in the future (p < 0.001); (6) attitude toward deceased donation (p < 0.001); (7) attitude toward living kidney donation (p < 0.001); (8) acceptance of a donated liver segment from a family member if one were needed (p < 0.001); (9) having discussed the subject with one's family (p < 0.001) and friends (p < 0.001); (10) a partner's opinion about the subject (p < 0.001); (11) carrying out activities of an altruistic nature; and (12) fear of the possible mutilation of the body after donation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Spanish medical students have a favorable attitude toward LLD.