Attitudes Toward Renal Xenotransplantation in a Muslim Country: Analysis of Specific Subgroups.

Abstract

Renal transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease, but the rising demand for organs necessitates exploring alternative graft sources, including xenotransplantation. This study evaluated attitudes toward xenotransplantation among different social groups in a Muslim country. A structured survey assessing demographics, religiosity levels, attitudes toward xenotransplantation, and the influence of religious authorities was completed by 988 participants: 376 clergy members (38.1%), 206 physicians (20.9%), 162 dialysis patients and their relatives (16.4%), and 244 individuals from other groups (24.7%). Significant sociodemographic differences were observed in gender, marital status, and education (p < 0.001). Physicians and dialysis patients/relatives were likelier to support living donor transplantation (48.5%, 67.3%), whereas clergy members often reported no opinion (44.9%). Favorable attitudes toward xenotransplantation were the highest among physicians (66%) and dialysis patients/relatives (67.3%). When the animal was specified as a pig, 73.1% of the Clergy group exhibited unfavorable attitudes. However, this group significantly changed their opinion after the favorable fatwa issued by the religious authority. Logistic regression identified male gender, lower religiosity, and higher education as predictors of favorable attitudes, with physicians and dialysis patients/relatives demonstrating the strongest associations compared to clergy. To infer, collaboration between religious and scientific authorities is essential to address concerns and emphasize the potential benefits of xenotransplantation.