How barriers to blood donation differ between lapsed donors and non‐donors in France

Blood donors are underrepresented in the general population. Thus, comparing barriers to blood donation between non‐donors and lapsed donors is crucial to improving their participation in blood donation and to targeting theses groups in recruitment programmes. The aims of this study were to identify barriers to blood donation and to compare their occurrence between lapsed and non‐donors in France. Data from a 2008 survey of 1400 individuals were used to evaluate differences in barriers between two subpopulations: 619 non‐donors and 567 lapsed donors. Individuals answered questions concerning sociodemographic variables and donation‐related variables. Results show that, in decreasing order, individuals cited medical reasons (32%), lack of time (15·12%), fear (12·20%), negligence (10·03%), lack of information (7·69%), no particular reason (7·18%), lack of solicitation (6·18%), lack of opportunity (5·18%) and prior deferral (4·43%) as barriers to blood donation. After adjusted analysis, non‐donors mentioned fear, lack of information and no particular reason more often than lapsed donors, who cited lack of time more often than non‐donors. This study has pinpointed nine main barriers to blood donation among the French population, the most significant being medical reasons (for both lapsed and non‐donors), lack of time, cited more frequently by lapsed donors, and fear of donating blood, most often cited by non‐donors. Future studies are needed to gain greater insight into what these barriers represent for individuals to improve awareness and for recruitment of French blood donors.     

Determinants of health-promotive behavior. A review of current research

The determinants of health promotive-behavior are proposed by Pender in the HPM. The exact impact of the various variables on singular behaviors or a lifestyle index, however, is far from conclusive. All the proposed factors have been supported through research, at least in part, as either directly or indirectly influencing the intent to participate in different health behaviors. The difficulty in concluding which variables are most critical is perhaps due to the variety of definitions, theoretical approaches (from different disciplines), and research methods. Of primary concern to this author is the overlap of activities among different "patterns" of behavior and the various definitions of such behavioral patterns. Little evidence exists on how specific types of behaviors relate to one another. Thus, knowing the determinants of a lifestyle index, for example, may be insignificant if the goal of nursing is to target priority behaviors that may indeed be influenced by more significant variables. For example, a person's perception of control may be a significant predictor of lifestyle behaviors in general; however, this variable may not impact on the person's decision to engage in changes related to exercise or activity behavior. Hence, because the motives behind various behaviors may be different, it seems more prudent to invest our research efforts on the impact of various factors on singular behaviors rather than lifestyle patterns. Finally, the efforts of nursing research on health behavior have been directed primarily at explaining the impact of various individual perceptions on the likelihood of behavior. Such focus has revealed some evidence of the significance of these variables, yet much unexplained variance remains. Perhaps it would be more prudent to direct attention at those variables such as situational or environmental factors that may impede or act as a cue to healthy behavior. Because the explanation of behavior has been individually focused (perhaps due to an "individualizing" theme in nursing education), the impact of the ecological model of behavior tends to be dismissed or underrated in nursing research. Knowledge of the impact of societal factors on behavior may be more appropriate to planning strategies for various groups rather than the behavioristic approaches that separate people from their social, physical, and economic environments. Thus, personal lifestyles may not be a simple matter of informed choice, and attention to the complex processes of societal opportunities, cultural interpretations, and group-specific attitudes must be studied further.     

HIV seroconverting donors delay their return: screening test implications

BACKGROUND: The yield of HIV p24 antigen testing implemented in March 1996 has been lower than projected. One possible explanation is that HIV seroconverting donors delay their return because of the recent practice of risk behaviors and/or signs and symptoms associated with primary infection. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From a database of 6.8-million allogeneic donations collected at five U.S. blood centers from 1991 to 1997, 49 HIV, 21 HCV, 32 HTLV, and 44 HBsAg seroconverters with at least three donations were identified. A statistical method was developed to investigate whether the time between a donor's last negative donation and their positive donation was significantly longer than expected based on their previous return history. RESULTS: HIV seroconverters returned on average 42 percent later than expected (p < 0.01). Although not significant, HCV seroconverters donated on average 43 percent earlier than expected. HTLV and HBsAg seroconverters did not appear to change their donation pattern around the time of seroconversion. Sixty-three percent of the HIV seroconverters later acknowledged practicing a high-risk behavior. CONCLUSIONS: HIV seroconverters delay their return around the time of seroconversion and are thus less likely to be recently infected. Unique among HIV seroconverters, this observation provides a possible explanation for the lower than expected yield of HIV p24 antigen testing and suggests that NAT may have a similar low yield.     

Hemoglobin screening in prospective blood donors: a comparison of methods

The microhematocrit (MHCT) (MHCT) of blood obtained by ear lobe puncture (ELP) was found to be higher than that obtained by fingerstick (FS). Using copper sulfate solution to estimate hemoglobin concentration of ELP blood will lead to accepting prospective blood donors that would be rejected by fingerstick obtained samples. Raising the specific gravity of the copper sulfate solution from 1.053 to 1.055 for females and from 1.055 to 1.057 for males eliminates the discordance for males but leads to rejection of females at a high rate (20 per cent). The use of FS/MHCT to recheck those failing the gravimetric test with higher specific gravity copper sulfate is suggested. The MHCT of venous samples obtained via the needle at the conclusion of phlebotomy will be lower than the MHCT of a capillary sample obtained during screening because of a combination of : 1) hemodilution due to assumption of the recumbent position and 2) hemodilution in response to phlebotomy.     

Determinants of patient-reported medication errors: a comparison among seven countries

Objective: Medication errors are a frequent cause of adverse drug events and a major concern for patient safety. This study compared the predictors of error among seven countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands). Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study using the 2007 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey data. The outcome was patient‐reported error in the past 2 years. Possible predictors were studied using logistic regression. Results: Eleven thousand nine hundred and ten respondents were included in this analysis, of which 1291 respondents (11%) had experienced error. Poor coordination of care was a shared concern of all seven countries [adjusted odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3–3.5) to 3.0 (95% CI: 2.1–4.5)]. Cost‐related barriers to medical services/medicines was also a predictor in six countries [ORs ranged from 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5–2.6) to 2.6 (95% CI: 1.5–4.6)]. Other common risk factors across countries included seeing multiple specialists, multiple chronic conditions, hospitalisation and multiple emergency room visits. Cross‐country heterogeneity in contributing factors included age and specific chronic condition. Number of medications, number of doctor visits, household income and education level were not associated with error in most countries. Conclusion: Poor coordination of care is a key risk factor in all seven countries. Cost‐related barriers were also associated with an increased likelihood of error. The major challenge for all countries for error prevention is better communication among multiple healthcare providers and more structured organisation of care across healthcare settings.     

Analysis of donor return behavior

BACKGROUND: Efforts to provide a safe, adequate blood supply have been inhibited by persistent shortages attributed to a lack of motivation on the part of the general public and inefficiency in recruiting processes. This study examined whether frequency of donations and/or timing of subsequent donations by first-time donors related to donor demographics. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Characteristics of 879,816 first-time donors making at least one whole-blood donation were analyzed. Cox proportional-hazards regression models evaluated the first 10 return times separately, and a recurrent-event Cox model was applied to simultaneously evaluate the first five returns. RESULTS: The shorter the donation interval between the first two donations, the more likely the donor was to make subsequent donations. The proportion of repeat donors increased with education level. Rate of donation increased with age and education. The recurrent-event Cox regression model showed that Rh-negative donors, older donors, and donors who had completed college had higher donation return rates. CONCLUSION: Time to return for second donation was associated with total number of donations made and with return rate for subsequent returns. Age was the strongest predictor of high donation frequency and early-return rate. Relationships between interdonation interval and the number of future donations may prove useful in understanding return behavior and developing donor recruitment and retention strategies.     

Determinants of return to work among Nigerian stroke survivors

Purpose: Employment, an important aspect of life, could be adversely affected by a disabling condition like stroke. This study explores the frequency and determinants of return to work (RTW) among Nigerian stroke survivors. Method: One-hundred and one stroke patients attending Physiotherapy clinics at seven teaching and specialist hospital centers in north-eastern Nigeria participated in the study. Socio-demographic, clinical and RTW data were obtained from participants while the modified Rankin Scale was used to assess functional ability. Chi-square statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of RTW among the participants. Results: About half of the participants (55%) had returned to work. Absence of disability [Odds Ratio (OR) = 57.7; 95% CI = 12.0–276.8) and mild disability (OR = 15.1; 95% CI = 3.9–58.3) were the significant determinants of RTW, while post-stroke duration of a year or less was associated with lower chance of returning to work (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.0–0.8). Conclusions: The prominence of functional independence among the determinants of RTW implies that rehabilitation efforts and support programmes to optimize functional ability, especially within the first year after stroke, will greatly enhance RTW among Nigerian stroke survivors.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Functional outcome influenced vocational outcome, hence the need for rehabilitation efforts at improving functional status of stroke survivors to encourage return to work (RTW).

• The low rate of RTW within the first year after stroke may be addressed by the establishment of specilized sub-acute and long-term rehabilitation centers in Nigeria instead of depending only on existing inadequate outpatient rehabilitation practices

     

Interdonation intervals and patterns of return among blood donors in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, most donations come from repeat donors, but there are little data on return behavior of donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors who made at least one whole blood donation in 2007 were followed for 2 years using a large multicenter research database. Donation frequency, interdonation intervals, and their association with donor demographics, status, and type of donation were examined among three large blood centers in Brazil, two in the southeast and one in the northeast. RESULTS: In 2007, of 306,770 allogeneic donations, 38.9% came from 95,127 first‐time donors and 61.1% from 149,664 repeat donors. Through December 31, 2009, a total of 28.1% of first‐time donors and 56.5% of repeat donors had donated again. Overall, the median interdonation interval was approximately 6 months. Among men it was 182 and 171 days for first‐time and repeat donors, and among women, 212 and 200 days. Predictors of return behavior among first‐time donors were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐1.20), community donation (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 2.20‐2.33), and age 24 years or less (OR, 0.62‐0.89 for donors ≥25 years). Among repeat donors predictors were male sex (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.32‐1.39), age 35 years or more (OR, 1.08‐1.18 vs. ≤24 years), and community donation (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.33‐2.44). Differences in return by geographic region were evident with higher return rates in the northeast of Brazil. CONCLUSION: These data highlight the need to develop improved communication strategies for first‐time and replacement donors to convert them into repeat community donors.     

Analysis of Chinese donors' return behavior

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand donor return behavior. Converting first‐time donors to become repeat donors is essential for maintaining an adequate blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Characteristics of 241,552 whole blood (WB) donations from first‐time and repeat donors who donated in 2008 at the five blood centers in China were compared. A subset of 54,394 WB donors who donated between January 1 and March 31, 2008, were analyzed for their return behavior in 2008 after the index donation using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of all donations, 64% were from first‐time donors. Donors with self‐reported previous donations tended to be male, older, and married; donated larger volume (≥300 mL); and were heavier in weight. Among donors who donated from January to March 2008, 14% returned for subsequent WB donations by the end of 2008. The number of previous donations and blood collection location were the two strongest predictors for making subsequent donations. Donors with one, two to three, and more than three previous donations were 3.7, 5.7, and 11.0 times more likely to return than first‐time donors. Those who donated in a blood collection vehicle were four times more likely to return than those who donated at a blood center. Being female, younger, and of a lower education level (middle school or less) were positively associated with subsequent return blood donation during the follow‐up period observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Most of the Chinese blood supply is from first‐time donors. Strategies aimed at encouraging current donors to become repeat donors are needed.     

Racial and ethnic composition of volunteer cord blood donors: comparison with volunteer unrelated marrow donors

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood is an alternative peripheral blood progenitor cell source for patients who need transplantation. A presumed advantage of cord blood is the ability to increase minority recruitment. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The racial composition of five member cord blood banks of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) was compared, representing 9020 cord blood donors with NMDP marrow donors from comparable geographic areas, representing 417,676 donors. Cord blood and marrow donors self-reported racial designations on questionnaires. Donor statistics were compared with baseline racial data of deliveries from participating hospitals for cord blood donors and with geographic census data for marrow donors. RESULTS: The California, Florida, and Massachusetts cord blood banks recruited a lower percentage of minorities than the corresponding marrow donor centers. In New York and Colorado, minority recruitment was equivalent. In California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, the cord blood banks recruited a lower percentage of minorities than those delivering at the respective hospitals. The cord blood banks in California, Colorado, Florida, and Massachusetts recruited a lower percentage of minorities compared with delivery data than the corresponding marrow donor centers compared with census population (p < 0.001). In New York, the percentages were similar. CONCLUSION: The problem of insufficient minority recruitment of cord blood has not yet been solved. Better strategies are needed to recruit minority donors.     

Characteristics of post donation information donors and comparison with appropriately deferred donors

BACKGROUND: Post donation information (PDI) is the most frequently reported biological product deviation (BPD) related to donor suitability and the health history screening process. PDI occurs when a deferrable health history known by the donor is not disclosed, but is subsequently disclosed at a future donation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PDI and appropriately deferred (AD) donors were identified at six US blood centers from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. PDI and AD donors were categorized according to travel, medical, blood disease or exposure, and high‐risk–sexual and high‐risk–nonsexual deferrals. Information was obtained from BPD reports and blood center records. Predictors of PDI were identified using an adjusted logistic regression model controlling for select characteristics. RESULTS: There were 2059 PDI and 36,512 AD donors. PDI donors were significantly more likely to be male, older, and more educated than AD donors. Medical and high‐risk–sexual PDI donors were more likely to have more than six intervening donations before disclosure of deferrable history. PDI donors with a deferral reason due to high‐risk behaviors (both sexual and nonsexual) were 2.3 and 2.6 times more likely to be PDI than the reference group (travel PDI donors). CONCLUSIONS: No previous studies have described the characteristics of PDI donors or examined how PDI donors are different from AD donors for the same deferral reasons. We found that PDIs are more likely in older, male donors with higher levels of education when compared to AD donors.     

Determinants of repeated blood donation among new and experienced blood donors

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of a safe level of blood supply is provided by a small number of volunteers, and their retention is difficult. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting repeated blood donation among experienced and new donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A random sample of 2,231 donors (2,070 experienced and 161 new) completed a questionnaire assessing psychosocial factors as defined by the most prominent social cognitive theories. Six months later, an objective measure of frequency of registrations to give blood was obtained from the database of the local official agency for blood donation. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that for experienced donors, the predictors were intention, perceived control, anticipated regret, moral norm, age, and frequency of blood donation in the past. For new donors, intention and age were the only determinants of behavior. Important differences in the determinants of intention were also noted between experienced and new donors. CONCLUSION: In summary, the results of this study support the idea that distinct promotion strategies should be adopted to increase repeated blood donation among experienced versus new donors.     

Motivating first-time,group O blood donors to return: Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial of a post-donation telephone interview

First-time blood donors are essential to the US donor pool, providing nearly a third of all donations. Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of obstacles to repeat donation and new donors are extremely difficult to retain. Because each donor experiences a unique set of deterrents, we developed a post-donation interview based on motivational interview principles in order to flexibly address individual barriers. The primary aim of this randomized clinical trial is to examine retention of first-time, group O blood donors who are randomly assigned to receive either a telephone-delivered interview with motivational and action planning components or a standard-of-care control call approximately six weeks after their donation. Measures of donation attitude, perceived behavioral control, intention, and motivational autonomy will be measured before and after the telephone contact using online surveys, and donation attempts will be tracked for one year using blood center donor databases. We hypothesize that, compared to controls, donors who receive the telephone interview will be more likely to make a donation attempt over the following year. In addition, we will examine possible mechanisms of action of the interview using key predictors of donation behavior as described by Self Determination Theory (i.e., motivational autonomy) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (i.e., attitude, perceived behavioral control, and intention). Results of this intervention may help to support a novel strategy to enhance retention of selected blood donors in an effort to better meet the nation's blood supply needs.     

Guidelines for asthma management: a review and comparison of 5 current guidelines

The first clinical practice guidelines for the assessment and management of asthma were published over 20 years ago in New Zealand and Australia. During the same period, British and Scottish groups were collaborating on a United Kingdom version of asthma guidelines. Shortly after the introduction of the New Zealand and Canadian guidelines, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the United States National Institutes of Health participated in 2 additional asthma guideline endeavors, which were published in the early 1990s. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute formed the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program to develop asthma guidelines for the United States, and participated with an international task force to develop guidelines for the treatment of asthma in all countries, which resulted in the formation of the Global Initiative for Asthma in the mid-1990s. The asthma guidelines issued by professional societies and other groups prior to the late 1990s were primarily based on consensus or expert opinion in each guideline committee, though those opinions were based on the available studies. The early guidelines played a vital role in bridging the gap between various treatment options and recent discoveries in basic science, and served as the vehicle to implementation into daily clinical practice. Asthma guidelines have been published and revised in dozens of countries around the world and have become reputable directives or "road maps" in asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management for patients of all ages. The guidelines have similar formats. The dissemination and implementation of the early guidelines was inconsistent, and they were criticized for not being evidence-based. As the knowledge of asthma pathophysiology continues to expand, along with basic science research on asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management, as well as education of the asthma patient, it is essential that the asthma guidelines be frequently updated and based on evidence-based-medicine processes.