The blood donation experience: self-reported motives and obstacles for donating blood

Background and Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate motives for donating blood as well as difficulties and obstacles associated with blood donation as perceived by the donors themselves. Materials and Methods Six hundred consecutive blood donors (i.e. all blood donors with a history of at least one previous whole blood donation attending, during nine working days, the Blood Centre of Umeå University Hospital) received a self‐administered questionnaire that contained questions aimed at elucidating motives for donating blood (general motives for donating blood, specific motives for the first donation and motives for continuing to be an active blood donor). Questions concerning difficulties and obstacles that had to be overcome in order to continue being a blood donor were also included in the questionnaire. Results Altogether 531 whole blood donors filled in the questionnaire (88·5%; 322 men and 209 women). No statistically significant differences were found between male and female blood donors concerning general reasons and motives related to donating blood. The most frequently reported reasons for giving blood the first time were ‘influence from a friend’ (47·2% of donors) and ‘request via media’ (23·5% of donors). Among general reasons/motives with highest ranking of importance, the most commonly reported motive for donating blood were ‘general altruism’ (40·3%), ‘social responsibility/obligation’ (19·7%) and ‘influence from friends’ (17·9%). General altruism’ and ‘social responsibility/obligation’ were also the most frequent reasons for continuing to donate blood (68·4 and 16·0%, respectively). The most commonly reported obstacle to becoming a regular blood donor was ‘laziness’ (19·1%) followed by ‘fear of needles’ (10·5%). Conclusions Altruism was the most common general motive for donating blood and also for continuing to be an active blood donor. Yet, for the first blood donation, direct ‘influence from friends/relatives’, ‘media appeal’ and other types of recruitment were more commonly reported as reasons or motives for donating blood than altruism. The findings support the notion that different strategies should be used/adopted to get people to donate blood the first time (e.g. recruitment through other blood donors using, for example, the ‘bring a friend along’ method) and to retain these subjects as active blood donors (e.g. by information and by strengthening their sense of being a blood donor or their self‐efficacy etc.).     

The effect of pre-donation hypotension on whole blood donor adverse reactions: a systematic review

Blood services are reliant upon healthy blood donors to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood products. Inappropriate variables contained within blood donor exclusion criteria can defer potentially appropriate donors. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of low pre-donation blood pressure, as compared with normal blood pressure, on adverse events in allogeneic whole blood donors. A systematic review was performed using highly sensitive search strategies within five databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) from inception date until April 12, 2013. Out of 8305 records, 10 observational studies were identified that addressed the question. Five of these studies (with a combined total of 1,482,020 donations and 2903 donors) included either a statistical analysis or an appropriate study design that controlled for possible confounding factors. Based on the currently available evidence, hypotension has not been shown to be an independent predictive factor for donor complications. However, the overall quality of evidence was rather limited and rated ‘low,’ using the GRADE approach. In conclusion there is currently no evidence that hypotensive blood donors have a greater risk for donor adverse events compared with their normotensive counterparts.     

Complications related to blood donation: a population-based study

BACKGROUND: Population-based data on the rate and outcome of complications related to blood donation are sparse. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from a survey conducted in 2003 in Aarhus County, Denmark, were used to assess the overall rate of donor complications. Additional nationwide data on moderate and severe donor complications were obtained from the Danish Register of Complications Related to Blood Donation, with records of all moderate and severe donor complications in Denmark occurring during the period 1997-2003. RESULTS: In the regional survey, we identified 340 complications of any type among 41 274 donations, corresponding to a rate of 824/100,000 donations [95% confidence interval (CI): 741-916]. All complications were either needle injuries or vasovagal reactions. In the nationwide register, a total of 752 moderate and severe complications were recorded among 2,575,264 donations, corresponding to a rate of 29/100,000 donations (95% CI: 27-31). The rates of complications leading to long-term morbidity or disablement (> 5% loss of working capacity) were 5/100,000 donations (95% CI: 4.2-5.9) and 2.3/100,000 donations (95% CI: 1.8-2.9), respectively. CONCLUSION: The risk of complications related to blood donation is low. However, attention towards donor complications is warranted, given the non-negligible rate of complications resulting in long-term morbidity and disablement.     

Relationship between first-year blood donation, return rate for subsequent donation and demographic characteristics

Background

The aim of this study was to determine any relationships between return rates of first-time donors, number of donations in the first year and the donors’ demographic characteristics.

Materials and methods.

Data from 1,500 volunteer, first-time donors who donated blood at Shiraz Blood Transfusion Centre (Iran) were obtained from the donor database. The donors’ demographic characteristics (sex, age, educational status) and donation histories were obtained for a 3-year period and the number of donations and interval between the first donation and the following donation within a 1-year period were recorded. We searched for correlations between return rate and demographic characteristics and the number of donations in the first, second and third years. The data were analysed with the chi-squared test, multiple logistic regression and Spearman’s correlation tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

More than half of the first-time donors returned to donate again (n=776, 51.7%) during the 3 years after the first donation. The mean number of donations in the whole 3-year period was 0.69±0.49, while it was 1.33±0.62 (median 1) in the first year, 0.4±0.7 (median 0) in the second, and 0.3±0.65 (median 0) in the third year. The return rate was directly correlated with the number of donations in the first year (r=0.74, P<0.001). The return rate increased as the interval between the first and second donations decreased (P<0.05, OR=1.03). The return rate was higher for male donors and single donors (P<0.05), but was not related to age or educational level (P>0.05).

Discussion.

In this study 51.7% of first-time donors returned to donate again, a high figure indicating the success of our recruitment strategy. Understanding the importance of the number of donations in the first year for donors’ return rate and planning recruitment programs and more effective measures to encourage donors in the first year may help to increase return rates.     

咀嚼口香糖对降低初次献血者献血反应的效果观察

目的:探讨咀嚼口香糖降低初次献血者献血反应的作用。方法:将2013年5至9月初次献血者2 041人按献血日期分为2组,即观察组1 086人、对照组955人,对照组按常规采血程序进行,观察组按常规采血程序的同时给予咀嚼口香糖,观察比较2组献血反应率。结果:观察组与对照组献血反应率分别为0.83%、6.07%,2组比较差异有统计学意义(χ2=44.02,P0.01)。结论:在初次献血者献血时给予口香糖咀嚼,能有效预防献血反应的发生,适合在预防无偿献血反应中应用。     

Attitudes and behaviours of Greeks concerning blood donation: recruitment and retention campaigns should be focused on need rather than altruism

Background

Blood supplies in Greece are insufficient to meet the high transfusion needs arising from car accidents and treatment of thalassaemia. This study was designed to determine Greeks’ opinions about blood donation, in order to identify the reasons for the lack of motivation to donate and allow experts to establish better recruitment campaigns for the enrichment of the donor pool, based on our findings.

Materials and methods

The opinions of randomly selected Greek citizens (n=800) about volunteer blood donation were assessed by means of a standardised, anonymous questionnaire. The results were analysed using the χ² test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

With regards to attitudes towards intention to donate, only 7.1% were indifferent, while 88.0% of the individuals believed that donating blood was an “offer”. Reasons for not donating mainly involved safety (36.0%) and fear (24.0%), whereas need (77.9%) was the most fundamental positive motivation. Of the people enrolled in the present study, 10.0% were active donors, 31.3% occasional donors, 15.0% rare donors and 36.6% non-donors.

Discussion

The considerable percentages of occasional and rare donors in comparison with the low proportion of active donors in the Greek donor pool indicates that “need” is a more important motivation for blood donation than altruism in Greece. These results could be useful for establishing advertising campaigns on blood donation and for a more direct approach to the population, aiming for a change in mentality in favour of active blood donation.     

Knowledge, attitudes and practices surveys of blood donation in developing countries

Background and Objectives Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) surveys have been used in many countries to understand factors that influence blood donation and as the basis for communication and donor mobilization strategies. Materials and Methods A search was conducted of publically available databases, and studies with the following characteristics were selected: (1) the study was a knowledge, attitude and practice or KAP plus behaviour survey; (2) the subject of the survey was blood donation; (3) the survey was performed between 1995 and 2011; and (4) the survey was performed in countries classified as emerging and developing by the International Monetary Fund. Results Eighteen KAP studies conducted in seventeen developing countries were identified. There was considerable difference in the structure, population surveyed and conduct of the KAP studies. The common following themes emerged: misinformation about blood donation, fear of blood donation, willingness to donate for family and friends, concern about selling blood and a failure to transfer positive attitudes into actual blood donation. Conclusion Despite considerable differences in the culture and demographics of developing countries, several common themes emerged from different KAP surveys.     

Factors associated with fainting: before, during and after whole blood donation

Background Whole blood (WB) donation encompasses several periods during which some donors faint. Identification of factors associated with fainting during each period should guide intervention strategies. Reducing faint reactions may reduce donor injuries and disability. Methods Blood donation was divided into three periods: Period 1 – registration; Period 2 – phlebotomy; and Period 3 – post‐phlebotomy. Period 3 consists of two sub‐periods (3A – on‐site and 3B – off‐site). For each Period, stratified rates of fainting in relation to various donor and donation characteristics were calculated and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with fainting were conducted. Donor injuries in each period were also analysed. Results Of the 956 766 donors registered in 2007, 554 534 (58%) donated WB. There were 43 fainting episodes and two injuries in Period 1 and 1520 faints and 73 injuries in Periods 2 and 3. Regression analyses showed that youth and donor first‐time status are associated with fainting in all periods; but most significantly in Period 1. Small estimated blood volume is notably not a factor in Period 1 but is significant in Periods 2 and 3. The highest injury rate is seen in Period 3A (0·07 and 0·09/1000 donations) for male and female donors, respectively. Conclusions Variability in factors associated with fainting across defined periods of the donation process suggest differing underlying mechanisms and the possibility that interventions for the reactions most associated with injury during each time period can be designed. The highest rate of injury per donation occurred in ambulating donors.     

Ethical aspects of blood and organ donation

Abstract
Ethics of blood and organ donation in Australia has been influenced by voluntarism and the Red Cross. The General Agreement on Trade in Services may threaten the principle of voluntary blood donation and self suf­ficiency of blood in Australia. However, a cooperative approach to managing the public good is more sustain­able than individual self interest and the author argues that voluntary blood and organ donation should be retained. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 362−364)     

献血反应相关因素的分析

目的:了解献血反应的分布特点,为采取有针对性的干预措施,提供理论依据。方法:以2013年发生献血反应的全血献血者为研究对象,对该群体的年龄、性别、献血类型、发生献血反应的原因等进行回顾性分析。结果:2013年共有27 909人次参加了无偿献血,发生献血反应385人次(1.38%)。18~25岁年龄段献血反应发生率最高(2.14%),46岁以上年龄段献血反应发生率最低(0.57%);女性发生献血反应比例高于男性(P0.05);团体献血活动献血反应发生率高于街头采血(P0.05)。结论:小年龄组者、女性献血者和团体献血者,献血反应发生率较高,应重点加强对该人群的进行干预。     

南京地区街头流动献血人数与气温变化的关系

目的:分析南京地区气温对街头流动献血行为的影响。方法:筛选2012-01-2014-03每周双休街头流动献血人群,分析不同温度下献血人群数量。并以地理位置相近的流动献血车和固定献血屋各一处,进一步分析气温对献血人数的影响。结果:入组共计206d,献血22 329人次,日最高气温15~30℃时,流动献血人数各组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。当日最高气温低于15℃或高于30℃时,流动献血人数减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。气温对固定献血屋影响较小,对流动献血车影响较大。结论:气温变化是影响街头流动献血人群数量的重要原因,针对温度变化,采血工作中应及时调整工作安排,减少气温变化对献血行为的影响。     

襄阳地区无偿献血后免费用血情况调查分析

目的:回顾性调查襄阳市2006-2013年无偿献血者用血返还情况,预测未来免费用血发展趋势。方法:对8年以来无偿献血者用血返还情况进行收集、整理、统计。结果:无偿献血者用血返还金额在未来可能呈快速增长趋势。结论:建议加大财政对无偿献血工作的经济投入,减轻血站的用血返还压力,进一步促进无偿献血事业的健康持续发展。     

Donor profiles: demographic factors and their influence on the donor career

Background and objectives Studying the contribution of demographic factors to the donor career provides important knowledge to be used for donor management. The aim of this study is to gain insight into donor characteristics, more specifically into the demographic profile of active vs. resigned donors, and multi‐gallon vs. occasional donors. Materials and methods The study population consisted of all registered Dutch whole‐blood donors between 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2005 (N = 370 470). The effect of several blood donor characteristics and demographic variables on (i) resigning donating and (ii) being a multi‐gallon donor were assessed. Blood donor characteristics were extracted from the blood bank information system and included age, sex, blood group, number of donations and invitations. Demographic characteristics were constituted by population data on urbanization level, socio‐economic status (income, housing value), and ethnicity. Results Men clearly resigned less often than women (odds ratio (OR) 0·73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·72–0·75). Being older than 24 years, having a high income, a high‐priced house, living in less urbanized areas or areas with relatively few ethnically diverse people also reduced the stopping risk. With respect to multi‐gallon donorship, men were five times more often multi‐gallon donor than women (OR 5·27, 95% CI 5·15–5·39) irrespective of the number of donation invitations. Furthermore, multi‐gallon donors appeared to live in urbanized areas and have a higher income than occasional donors. Conclusion Our results show that different donor profiles can be distinguished. Differences between active and resigned donors include age, the number of donations, sex, socio‐economic‐status, ethnicity, and urbanization level. The factors highly associated with being a multi‐gallon donor are sex, age, socio‐economic status, and to a lesser extent urbanization level. Donor profiles do provide the blood bank with knowledge on their donor population, which may be used as valuable information for donor recruitment and retention policies.