Objective:

The objective of the present study was to know the degree of knowledge of hemodialysis patients about the living-related donor renal transplantation.

Patients and Method:

A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 214 hemodialysis patients with an average age of 68.4±14.4 years (35% women). The study was carried out in the Nephrology Unit of the Reina Sofía University Hospital of Córdoba.

The degree of knowledge about living-related donor renal transplantation was analyzed through an interview with a structured self-made questionnaire.

Results:

Of the participants in the study, 21% of the patients were on the waiting list. 96% of these patients were aware of the possibility of living donor transplantation, showing a statistically significant association. Of those who had knowledge about living donor transplantation, the 83% of which had been > 6 months in the pre-dialysis consultation, and 56% of them had received the information from the nephrologist / nurse. Of those who were on the waiting list, the 46% of patients would be willing to accept a kidney from a family member, 53% from their partner and 46% from a friend.

Conclusions:

The patients included in the waiting list of the Nephrology Unit of Córdoba are mostly informed about the living-related donor renal transplantation. All of them have been informed in the pre-dialysis consultation or at the beginning of dialysis, by a health-care worker. Almost half of all patients, including those not on the waiting list, are willing to accept a kidney from a family member, their partner or a friend.