Social aspects of kidney donation in Tunisia: a study of 189 living related donors.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to study the demographic and social characteristics of 189 living related kidney donors in Tunisia, and explore some of the social consequences of kidney donation.

METHODS: This is a descriptive retrospective study of 189 living related kidney donors who had their nephrectomy in Charles Nicolle Hospital between 1986 and 2009. The demographic and social characteristics at the time of donation were studied and changes in the social and occupational status after donation were assessed.

RESULTS: The average age at the time of donation was 41.8 ± 12.1 years (range: 20-67 years). Female predominance (59.2% of cases) was noted. Donors were siblings in 46% of cases, parents in 42% of cases and spouses in only 9% of cases. There were more mothers than fathers, more wives than husbands, but fewer sisters than brothers. Twenty-six percent of donors were illiterate and 40% were unemployed at the time of donation. After donation, the social status remained stable for 70% of donors. No divorces were reported. The occupational status was unchanged in 94% of cases. Sixteen percent of female donors had at least one pregnancy after nephrectomy. Nearly 90% of surveyed donors whose recipients were alive at the time of the survey were still in favor of kidney donation.

CONCLUSIONS: Women play an important role in living related kidney donation in Tunisia. Family situation and occupational status did not seem to be compromised after nephrectomy, and most donors were willing to donate if the decision was to be repeated.