Gypsy Population With University Studies Is a Key Ethnic Subgroup for the Promotion of Organ Donation Among the Gypsy Population

Introduction: The refusal to consider death and the donation and transplantation of organs make Gypsies one of the subpopulation groups with the lowest donation rates in Europe. The approach of this social group implies the support of the most favorable social groups within their own ethnic group. In this sense, the young population with a high level of education is usually the most favorable toward organ donation.

Objective: To analyze the attitude toward the donation of one's own organs for transplantation among the Gypsy population under 45 years and with secondary or university studies.

Method: Population under study: The Gypsy population under 45 years old with secondary or university studies who currently reside in Spain. Assessment instrument: The attitude questionnaire for organ donation for transplantation PCID-DTO Ríos. Fieldwork: A random selection based on stratification. Anonymity and self-administered fulfillment.

Statistics: Student t test and χ².

Results: A total of 44 Gypsy people under 45 years of age were surveyed (mean age 31 ± 8.9 years); 66% were women, and the rest were men. Of these, 20 had university studies, and 24 had secondary or vocational studies. The attitude is favorable toward organ donation in 64% of the respondents, with 80% among university students and 50% among those with secondary or vocational education (P < .005).

Conclusions: The young Gypsy population with university studies has a very favorable attitude toward organ donation. This population subgroup must be key in the promotion of organ donation in the Gypsy population, so the transplant coordinators must request their collaboration in the promotion campaigns of organ donation and transplantation.