South Korean Student Opinions about Xenotransplantation. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jang, Kyeonghee; Sung, SukWhan; Cooper, David KC; Nour, Bakr; Bargainer, Ruth; Paris, Wayne
• Is Part Of: Transplantation. Volume 102(2018)Supplement 7S-1
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; Transplantation immunology -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000543724.59908.6c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1337

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Given the immunologic progress in the laboratory, xenotransplantation (XTP) has the potential to provide an unlimited supply of donor organs, but at the same time may present the medical team with unique theological and psychosocial challenges in their assessment of the patient, or their work with the family. This study reports the attitudes of primarily theology students (85%; 104/123) about XTP from a private university in South Korea. Methodology: The current study used an exploratory descriptive design. After university IRB approval, a text message was forwarded to a convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students informing them of the study. Those interested were directed via weblink to an informed consent document. Those who anonymously agreed to participate were then forwarded the 34 item survey. All initial statistical analysis was done with the SPSS v.23 with descriptive and multiple linear regression procedures. Results: Out of students reviewed the informed consent (n=137), one hundred twenty three students completed the survey. Respondents were primarily age of 20-39 (89%, 110/123), male (68%; 84/123), single – never married (65%; 80/123), working on their graduate degrees (76%; 94/123), and grew up in urban environment (86%; 106/123). Seventy-nine percent (97/123) reported that religious beliefs were important in shaping their personal opinions. Twenty-five percent (31/123) were organ donors, and 54% (66/123) had discussed organ donation with family and/or friends. Only 7% (9/123) were aware that genetic modification was necessary before they could be used as a source of organs for transplantation into humans. The significant predictors of the potential to refuse the option of a XTP (via multiple linear regression) were medical concerns (p=.026), being an organ donor themselves (p=.029), and potential psychosocial sequelae (p=.049). Other factors (e.g., religious beliefs, knowledge about genetic modification, demographic characteristics) were NS with the decision about whether or not to consider XTP. Conclusions and Implications: The findings suggest that the significant factors in reducing the student's willingness to consider a XTP included anticipated medical risk, potential psychosocial sequelae, and being a human organ donor. The knowledge about genetic modification, and their religious beliefs were NS factors in influencing their perceptions. The implications of the current findings in relation to other research findings in the development of theological and psychosocial assessment and treatment protocols for human clinical trials will be presented. Given the regression analysis was conducted to explore factors, further research is needed to explain the XTP attitudes with a model based on theoretical foundations.