There Is Great Ignorance About the Brain Death Concept Among the Population in Santiago de Cuba (Cuba)

The knowledge of the brain death (BD) concept is important when determining the attitude toward organ donation. To analyze the level of knowledge of the BD concept among the population in Santiago de Cuba and determine the factors that condition it. From the Collaborative International Donor Project, we obtained a sample of Cubans living in the area of Santiago de Cuba (n = 455). The attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. Student t test, χ2, Fisher, and logistic regression analysis were used. Forty percent (n = 180) of the respondents know the BD concept and consider it as the death of an individual. Of the rest, 43% (n = 199) do not know about it, and the remaining 17% (n = 76) consider that it does not mean the death of a patient. The variables significantly related to the correct knowledge of BD in the multivariate analysis and considered as independent are: level of studies; the opinion of the couple toward organ donation; the religion of the respondent; having offspring; and a favorable attitude toward organ donation. There is ignorance about the brain death concept among the population of Santiago de Cuba. This lack of knowledge has a direct relationship with various psychosocial factors. •One of the most important factors that determines a favorable attitude toward organ donation is the knowledge of the concept of brain death (BD).•They are low organ donation rates in Latin American countries, especially in Cuba, where refusal rates are still relatively high.•There is ignorance about the brain death concept among the population of Santiago de Cuba (Cuba).•The lack of knowledge about BD has a direct relationship with various psychosocial factors, such as the level of studies, the opinion of the couple, the religion, or having offspring.•It is recommended that clear information on the concept of brain death is included in campaigns to promote donation and organ transplantation.