Is the Population of Santiago de Cuba Sensitized to Xenotransplantation? A Multivariate Analysis.

Introduction: New transplant-related therapies such as xenotransplantation of solid cells, tissues, and organs are still poorly understood, especially in countries without preclinical xenotransplantation programs.

Objective: Analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the population of Santiago de Cuba.

Method: Type of study. Cross-sectional observational study.

Sample: Random sampling of 455 individuals residing in Santiago de Cuba. Assessment instrument. Validated questionnaire of attitude toward the xenotransplant, "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Field work. Random selection based on stratification. Anonymous and self-administered completion.

Results: A total of 49.9% would accept a solid organ xenotransplant if they needed it and the results were similar to those currently obtained with human organs, 27.5% have doubts, and the remaining 22.6% would not accept it. They are presented as statistically significant variables (P < .05): level of studies; comment with the family about the donation; opinion of a partner; religion; opinion of religion; performing prosocial activities; attitude toward donation; previous relationship with the organ donation and transplant; favorable attitude toward live kidney donation. In the multivariate analysis, the following persist: 1. level of university studies: odds ratio (OR) = 5.076; 2. not having a partner: OR = 5.154; 3. belonging to another religion: OR = 2.061; 4. favorable attitude toward organ donation: OR = 5; and 5. favorable attitude toward living donation: OR = 3.759.

Conclusions: The population of Santiago de Cuba is less sensitized toward xenotransplantation, possibly due to ignorance of the issue due to lack of preclinical trials in their countries.