Development of common metrics for donation attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention for the blood donation context

The impact of social media intervention based on functional motivation on repeat blood donation behavior: A prospective randomized controlled trial study

BACKGROUND

Blood plays an irreplaceable role in medical care. Low retention rate among blood donors is the major issue in China. Various functional motivations can encourage blood donors to participate in blood donation. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research studies on re-donate behavior based on functional motivations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of social media intervention based on functional motivation, to discover effective intervention methods to improve re-donate rate among nonregular blood donors.

METHODS

In 2022-2023, 726 adults aged 18-55 years were randomized into the intervention or control group. Over 6 months, the intervention group received science popularization via social media. After the follow-up period, re-donate rate and functional motivation were assessed. Statistical analyses included t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression analysis, and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Five hundred and sixty-eight participants completed the intervention survey. Overall, the repeat blood donation rate in the intervention group (18.1%) was significantly higher than the control group (4.2%) (p < .001). After the intervention, understanding, protection, sensation, and values motivation increased (p < .001). The changes in functional motivations vary across different age groups. In the 18-30 age group, understanding motivation increased (p < .001), while in the 31-45 and 46-55 age groups, protection motivation increased (p < .001). In the groups donating blood 3 time and 4 time, protection motivation increased (p < .05), and in the group donating blood 4 times, the values motivation increased (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Social media intervention based on functional motivation can effectively increase the re-donate rate. Understanding, protection, sensation, and values motivations can directly influence the re-donate behavior.

A virtual reality paradigm simulating blood donation serves as a platform to test interventions to promote donation

Effective interventions that support blood donor retention are needed. Yet, integrating an intervention into the time-pressed and operationally sensitive context of a blood donation center requires justification for disruptions to an optimized process. This research provides evidence that virtual reality (VR) paradigms can serve as a research environment in which interventions can be tested prior to being delivered in blood donation centers. Study 1 (N = 48) demonstrated that 360°-video VR blood donation environments elicit a similar profile of emotional experience to a live donor center. Presence and immersion were high, and cybersickness symptoms low. Study 2 (N = 134) was an experiment deploying the 360°-video VR environments to test the impact of an intervention on emotional experience and intentions to donate. Participants in the intervention condition who engaged in a suite of tasks drawn from the process model of emotion regulation (including attentional deployment, positive reappraisal, and response modulation) reported more positive emotion than participants in a control condition, which in turn increased intentions to donate blood. By showing the promise for benefitting donor experience via a relatively low-cost and low-resource methodology, this research supports the use of VR paradigms to trial interventions prior to deployment in operationally-context field settings.

Maintaining distance and avoiding going out during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal examination of an integrated social cognition model

Objective: To test an integrated social cognition model predicting two forms of social distancing behavior (maintaining distance and avoiding going out in public) during COVID-19.Design: Participants from the U.S. (Sample 1, n = 433) and Canada (Sample 2, n = 239) completed online measures, reflecting the theory of planned behavior (attitudes, norms, perceived control, intention), COVID-19-specific risk, anticipated regret, fear of catching COVID-19, and perceived capacity related to using technology to connect with others. Self-reported behavior was collected from the U.S. sample at 6-month follow-up.Results: Intention to maintain distance and avoid going out predicted behavior within the U.S. sample. For both samples, intention was predicted by attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Perceived severity of COVID-19, anticipated inaction regret, and fear of catching COVID-19 predicted intention to maintain distance and avoid going out across both samples. Finally, within the U.S. sample, significant indirect effects were present for perceived behavioral control predicting future maintaining distance and avoiding going out via intention to engage in these behaviors.Conclusion: The integrated social cognition model predicts social distancing intentions and long-term social distancing behaviors. Hazard-specific risk and affect were relevant determinants added to the models. Potential avenues for intervention research are described.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.2023746 .

A study on blood donor characteristics and preferred environment of South Koreans during the COVID-19 pandemic: A conjoint analysis

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decrease in the number of blood donors worldwide, posing a global problem. Therefore, this study investigates people who have continuously participated in blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic and collects basic information as a reference for maintaining stable amounts of blood during future pandemics.

Methods

The participants of this study were selected from the population of South Korea through stratified sampling considering region and age distributions. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants were recruited online through Embrain, an online research and survey company, from June 1 to June 28, 2021. Data were collected from a total of 1,043 participants and used in the study.

Results

The results of this study showed that there was a difference between the donors group and non-donors group in factors such as donation attitude (F = 73.342, p &lt; 0.001), donation knowledge (F = 6.530, p &lt; 0.01), and preventive health behavior (F = 12.352, p &lt; 0.001). Overall, blood donors showed favorable attitude toward and considerable knowledge of blood donation as well as a high level of preventive health behavior. The environment most preferred by people who participated in blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic was “going with family to a blood donation center that gives out free gifts in a region far away with no confirmed cases,” which showed the highest utility (utility = 0.734).

Conclusion

Even during pandemics, donation attitude, donation knowledge, and preventive health behavior can serve as key factors affecting participation in blood donation. Additionally, blood donation centers that donors can visit with their families represent a favorable environment for the promotion of blood donation during pandemics.

Using the Health Action Process Approach to predict blood donation intentions and return behavior following a vasovagal reaction for whole blood and plasma donors

BACKGROUND

To inform the development of interventions to retain donors following a vasovagal reaction (VVR), the aim of this study is to use the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) to identify predictors of intentions to re-donate and actual return behavior among whole blood (WB) and plasma donors who experienced a VVR.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1136 WB donors (M_age  = 32.4 ± 12.5 years; 73.4% female) and 1141 plasma donors (M_age  = 36.5 ± 14.4 years; 73.3% female) completed an online survey after experiencing a VVR. Two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each donation type. In the first analysis, donation intentions were regressed onto the motivational HAPA constructs and social support. In the second analysis, donor return within 6 months was regressed onto social support, intentions, and the volitional HAPA constructs.

RESULTS

The motivational and social support variables accounted for 47.2% of the variance in intentions to return in WB donors and 15.7% in plasma donors. For both groups, task self-efficacy, positive and negative outcome expectancies, and social support were significant predictors of intentions to return. Intentions and action planning were significant predictors of donor return in both groups, and recovery self-efficacy was significant for plasma only.

CONCLUSION

The HAPA model can provide guidance to blood collection agencies to design phase-specific and individually-focused interventions to retain WB and plasma donors following a VVR.

What would it take to convince you to donate? A survey study of the relationship between motivators, barriers, and payment for whole blood, plasma, and platelet donation

Background

With growing discussion about blood donor remuneration, the present study examined the level of payment that may be required to convince individuals to engage in whole blood, plasma, and platelet donations.

Study Design and Methods

Anonymous online surveys were completed by a college sample [n = 490; 76.9% female; Mean Age = 20.3 (SD = 4.9) years; 32.9% whole blood donors] and a ResearchMatch sample [n = 323; 70.6% female; Mean Age = 50.7 (SD = 16.6) years; 82.7% whole blood donors]. Level of payment needed to motivate whole blood, plasma, and platelet donation was examined as a function of donation history, sample, and gender. In addition, path analyses examined associations between donation motivators, barriers, and payment level.

Results

Across all types of donation, history of whole blood donation was related to a greater willingness to donate without payment. At the same time, however, sizeable portions of prior donors indicated that monetary payment would convince them to donate whole blood (24%), plasma (51%), or platelets (57%). Across all types of donation, donation‐related barriers (i.e., anxiety, fear) were indirectly related to higher payment levels via lower self‐efficacy and more negative donation attitudes. Donation‐related motivators (i.e., warm glow, regret, and altruism) were indirectly related to lower payment levels via higher self‐efficacy and more positive donation attitudes.

Conclusion

Despite reporting a strong commitment to nonremunerated blood donation, many respondents with and without a history of blood donation indicated that money would convince them to engage in whole blood, plasma, and platelet donation.

Assessing motivations for non-living and living organ donation among individuals with and without a history of blood donation

OBJECTIVES

The current study investigated relationships between a history of blood donation, registration as a non-living and living organ donor, and differential motivations.

BACKGROUND

Motivational commonalities exist between blood and organ donors, but there is no prior data on the relationships between blood donation history and both living and non-living organ donor registration and motivation.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Participants completed online surveys assessing blood donation history, organ donor registration and interest, and motivations related to donation behaviour.

RESULTS

Blood donation history was not significantly related to registration as either a non-living organ donor (blood donors = 81.4%; non-blood donors = 76.4%) or as a living organ donor (blood donors = 14.0%; non-blood donors = 10.9%). Further, blood donation history was not related to interest in learning more about being an organ donor. Compared to those not registered as an organ donor, those who were registered reported more positive organ donation motivations, but these relationships were unrelated to prior blood donation history.

CONCLUSION

The present findings are consistent with existing research on attitudes, warm glow, and identity as organ donation motivators, and provide novel information regarding the importance of independent assessment of motivations for non-living and living organ donation.

Fear is associated with attrition of first-time whole blood donors: A longitudinal examination of donor confidence and attitude as potential mediators

BACKGROUND

Elevated fear and anxiety regarding donation-related stimuli (e.g., needles, pain, blood, fainting) has been associated with reduced blood donor recruitment and retention. The present longitudinal study tests the notion that this inverse relationship may be accounted for by lower donation confidence and more negative donation attitudes among fearful first-time donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In a sample of 1479 first-time whole blood donors [67.9% female; mean age = 19.3 (standard deviation (SD) = 2.5) years], path analyses were conducted to examine relationships among donor ratings of fear of blood draw and donation anxiety obtained approximately 1 week after donation, donation confidence and attitudes assessed approximately 6 weeks later, and donation attempts over the 14 months following the original donation.

RESULTS

Path analyses indicated that both fear of blood draws and donation anxiety were associated with fewer attempted donations, and that these effects were indirectly mediated by a combination of lower donor confidence and more negative donation attitudes.

CONCLUSION

Because retention of new blood donors is essential to maintain a healthy blood supply, the results of the present study suggest that first-time donors should be assessed for fear and anxiety so that appropriate strategies can be provided to address their concerns, bolster their confidence and attitudes, and ultimately promote their long-term retention.

The Effect of Functional Motivation on Future Intention to Donate Blood: Moderating Role of the Blood Donor's Stage

The low retention rate and lack of long-term blood donors are still worldwide problems, and the fostering and retaining of more blood donors has posed an urgent problem that requires a solution. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of functional motivation and blood donor stage in the future intention to donate blood. Three sites in China provided 252 blood donors who filled out a questionnaire including the volunteer function inventory, their future intention to donate blood, number of blood donations and demographic information. Based on a functional motivation approach, we investigated the motivations that influence unpaid blood donors' future intention through qualitative interview methods. The results showed that blood donor stage moderated the relationship between values motivation and future intention to donate blood. More specifically, the predictive effect of values motivation on future intention decreased gradually from new donors to regular donors. Our study found that the effect of various motivations on blood donors' intention was conditional; this effect changed with the development of blood donor behavioral stages. The results are significant in practice for establishing effective intervene strategies in maintaining blood donors.

Predicting the Intention to Donate Blood among Blood Donors Using a Decision Tree Algorithm

The blood donation process is essential for health systems. Therefore, the ability to predict donor flow has become relevant for hospitals. Although it is possible to predict this behaviour intention from donor questionnaires, the need to reduce social contact in pandemic settings leads to decreasing the extension of these surveys with the minimum loss of predictivity. In this context, this study aims to predict the intention to give blood again, among donors, based on a limited number of attributes. This research uses data science and learning concepts based on symmetry in a particular classification to predict blood donation intent. We carried out a face-to-face survey of Chilean donors based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. These data, including control variables, were analysed using the decision tree technique. The results indicate that it is possible to predict the intention to donate blood again with an accuracy of 84.17% and minimal variables. The added scientific value of this article is to propose a more simplified way of measuring a multi-determined social phenomenon, such as the intention to donate blood again and the application of the decision tree technique to achieve this simplification, thereby contributing to the field of data science.

Determinants of the intention to donate umbilical cord blood in pregnant women

Background and Objectives

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) donation is a behaviour promoted by many countries' health systems. However, UCB donation is not a widespread behaviour among expectant mothers, and little is known about the reasons that may lead to it. The aim of the present study was to analyse the contribution of Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) variables among both primiparous and multiparous women in predicting intention to donate UCB.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred seventy‐six expectant mothers completed questionnaires that captured sociodemographic data, parity, previous donation, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention to donate UCB. Multigroup analysis structural equation modelling was conducted using Mplus (version 8.02).

Results

Multigroup path analyses showed that intentions were strongly predicted by subjective norms and moderately predicted by positive attitudes and PBC in both primiparous and multiparous women. TPB constructs explained 71% of the variance in intentions for both groups.

Conclusions

Future interventions to increase intention to donate among primiparous and multiparous women could primarily consider the influence of partner and significant others in determining positive intentions and secondarily target increasing positive attitudes and perceptions of control.

Results from the blood donor competence, autonomy, and relatedness enhancement (blood donor CARE) randomized trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to promote competence, autonomy, and relatedness among first-time whole blood donors to enhance intrinsic motivation and increase retention.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a full factorial design, first-time donors (N = 2002) were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control condition or to one of seven intervention conditions designed to promote donation competence, autonomy, relatedness, a combination of two (e.g., competence and autonomy), or all three constructs. Participants completed donor motivation measures before the intervention and 6 weeks later, and subsequent donation attempts were assessed for 1 year.

RESULTS

There was no significant group difference in the frequency of donation attempts or in the number of days to return. Significant effects of group were observed for 10 of the 12 motivation measures, although follow-up analyses revealed significant differences from the control group were restricted to interventions that included an autonomy component. Path analyses confirmed direct associations between interventions involving autonomy and donor motivation, and indirect mediation of donation attempts via stronger donation intentions and lower donation anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Among young, first-time, whole blood donors, brief interventions that include support for donor autonomy were associated with direct effects on donor motivation and indirect, but small, effects on subsequent donation behavior.

Understanding healthcare worker's intention to donate blood: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

This study aims to identify the influencing factor towards the intention to donate blood using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model among healthcare workers (HCWs). A random sample of 400 HCWs from the population received the survey via a web-based link. The hypothesised model was tested using structural equation modelling. The median (interquartile range) age of respondents was 31.0 (11.0) years with female accounting for 75.5% (n = 302). Overall, 60.3% (n = 241) have donated blood. The final structural model showed a good fit of the data: CFI = 0.972; TLI = 0.976; RMSEA = 0.052; SRMR = 0.064. Perceived behavioural control and age significantly influenced the HCW's intention to donate blood. The final model explained 43% of the total variance in intention to donate blood. The findings provide a vital message to focus on some barriers and motivational factors of blood donation behaviour among HCWs.

Stated versus revealed preferences: An approach to reduce bias

Stated preference (SP) survey responses may not predict actual behavior, leading to hypothetical bias. We developed an approach that harnesses large-scale routine data to help SP surveys provide more accurate estimates of revealed preferences (RPs), within a study which elicited preferences for alternative changes to the blood service in England. The SP survey responses were used to predict the mean number of annual whole blood donations. Ex ante, the iterative survey design estimated hypothetical bias by contrasting pilot SP survey responses (N = 1254), with individually linked data on RPs, to inform the main SP survey design (N = 25,187). Ex post, the analysis recognized mediation of the relationship between SP and RP when blood donation is deferred. The pilot survey reported that donors' intended donation frequency of 3.2 (men) and 2.6 (women) times per year, exceeded their actual frequency by 41% and 30% respectively. Choice scenario attributes for the main SP survey were then modified, and over-prediction subsequently decreased to 34% for men and 16% for women. The mediating effect of deferrals explained 29% (men) and 86% (women) of the residual discrepancy between SP and RP. Future studies can use this approach to reduce hypothetical bias, and provide more accurate predictions for decision-making.

Assessing the impact of an automated Web-based motivational interview on the intention and return behavior of Australian O-negative donors

BACKGROUND

O-negative donors are a critical resource for blood collection agencies, and their recruitment and retention provides an ongoing challenge. Motivational interviewing shows promise as a tool to promote donor retention, although concerns about scalability remain. The current study examined the effect of an automated Web-based interview drawing on motivational interviewing and self-determination theory on O-negative donors' motivation, intention, and behavior.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Within 13 days of donating, 2820 O-negative donors completed baseline measures of motivation and intention before being randomly assigned to complete either a motivational interview (MI) or active control interview (ACI). Motivation and intention were assessed at 2 days and at 7 weeks after participation in the MI or ACI, with return behavior tracked for 6 months following trial completion.

RESULTS

Changes in donor motivation and intention, rate, and time to return did not vary by participation in the MI or ACI. When compared with O-negative donors who experienced business-as-usual practices, donors completing the MI or ACI returned to donate more, and they returned more quickly. However, subsequent exploratory analyses considering the behavior of those who did not accept the invitation to participate and those who completed only baseline measures showed that the improved return behavior of donors in the MI or ACI conditions was likely not due to any specific properties of the MI or ACI activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Australian O-negative donors were highly internally motivated and committed to donating. An automated Web-based motivational interview appears to be of limited effectiveness in promoting the return of such donors.

Unknown, so also unvalued? Blood donation awareness and attitudes of potential donors of Dutch and African descent

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Many Western countries face a shortage of African blood donors, while their specific blood groups are needed to transfuse chronic transfusion patients of similar ethnic background. Blood donation awareness and attitudes greatly impact the decision to become a blood donor, but how they are related and differ across ethnic groups is understudied. This study investigated blood donation awareness and attitudes of individuals of Dutch and African descent in the Netherlands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Survey data of 257 African and 152 Dutch non-donors measuring donation awareness (i.e. being familiar with the Dutch blood bank organization and knowing others who donated blood), cognitive (evaluative judgements) and affective (emotional reactions) attitudes were included. t-Tests, chi-square tests, linear and logistic regressions were conducted to study differences and associations between donation awareness and attitudes.

RESULTS

African individuals were less often aware of the Dutch blood bank organization (43%; p < 0·05) or others who donated blood (51%; p < 0·05) than Dutch individuals (55% and 68%, respectively). African individuals had lower cognitive donation attitudes compared with Dutch individuals (p < 0·001), but no differences were found for affective attitudes (p = 0·55). High donation awareness was associated with higher cognitive (p < 0·001) and affective (p < 0·05) donation attitudes among African minorities, but not among Dutch individuals.

CONCLUSION

The lower donation awareness and cognitive attitudes of African minorities should be taken into consideration in donor recruitment. Raising awareness through effective communication strategies might be essential in the donor decision making process of this target group.

The Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Identify Determinants of Donation Intention: Towards the Comparative Examination of Positive and Negative Reputations of Nonprofit Organizations CEO

Using the extended theory of planned behavior, this study examined individuals’ cognitive and psychological determinants of their intentions to donate to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) with either a positive or negative chief executive officer (CEO) reputation. With the use of online survey data (n = 371), the similarities and differences in the relationships between the determinants were analyzed for the two NPO CEO reputations. To verify the hypotheses, multiple regression was used to analyze the data. The results reveal that for NPOs with positive CEO reputations, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, moral norms, past behavior, and identification had positive effects on the intention to donate. In contrast, for NPOs with negative CEO reputations, subjective norms and identification had positive effects on the intention to donate. Attitude toward the NPO was not related to donation intentions regardless of the CEO’s reputation. These findings suggest the need for strategies to increase the public’s intentions to donate to problematic NPOs with negative reputations. Additionally, a strategy to further strengthen the intention to donate in the case of a positive CEO reputation is proposed. Theoretical and managerial implications of the results are also discussed, highlighting important considerations for CEO reputations and NPO management in the short and long terms.

Eligible blood donors' decisions about donating stool for fecal microbiota transplantation: Does ambivalence play a role?

Blood collection agencies (BCAs) are expanding core business by inviting blood donors to donate stool for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). However, whether blood donors also want to donate stool is unclear since, despite its benefits, stool donation is viewed by many as unpleasant. This study examined the prevalence, contributors to, and role of these mixed feelings (ambivalence) in stool donation intentions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed Australian residents aged 18 years or more who believed themselves eligible to donate blood and met broad criteria for prescreening as a stool donor (eg, healthy, not taking medication). Survey questions assessed attitude, norms, self-efficacy, motives, disgust, ambivalence, and intentions to donate stool.

RESULTS

A total of 382 eligible blood donors aged not more than 50 years (mean, 28.71 years; 48% female, 62% "healthy" body mass index) participated. Six percent indicated no ambivalence about donating stool. In regression, significant determinants of ambivalence were less awareness of FMT, lower self-efficacy, motivated by ensuring that stool is available for loved ones, and more disgust about stool donation. Higher ambivalence contributed to decreased donation intention. Self-efficacy and disgust differentiated participants with moderate ambivalence, a group likely responsive to intervention, from those with low or high ambivalence.

CONCLUSION

Ambivalence about donating stool was common among eligible blood donors. BCAs should raise awareness about stool donation and FMT before requesting donation. BCAs may increase cost savings and donor retention by giving clear guidance about donation requirements and implementing processes that build confidence. Early screening of potential donors for ambivalence and disgust will enable BCAs to provide decision support.

Exploring predictors of Australian community members' blood donation intentions and blood donation-related behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continuing to accelerate and blood collection agencies (BCAs) warning of shortages, it is critical to identify the current determinants of donor behavior for donors and nondonors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In May and June 2020, Australian residents who believed themselves eligible to donate blood responded to measures assessing constructs from an integrated protection motivation theory, organizational trust, and theory of planned behavior framework, with donor status also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 507 residents (47% male, mean age 28.69 years; 272 had donated/attempted to donate) participated. A revised structural equation model was a good fit to these data. In this model, perceived risk, severity, anxiety, and response cost associated with donating during the COVID-19 pandemic underpinned threat appraisals, while response efficacy, self-efficacy, and attitude toward donating during COVID-19 informed coping appraisals. Trust in the BCA predicted lower threat and higher coping appraisals, and higher coping appraisals predicted stronger subjective norms. Intention to donate during the COVID-19 pandemic was positively predicted by subjective norm and self-efficacy. Donation-related behavior was positively predicted by intention, with this relationship stronger for nondonors than donors.

CONCLUSION

Self-efficacy and approval from others, underpinned by coping appraisals and organizational trust, play a critical role in intentions to donate. BCAs that focus on maintaining trust with (potential) donors, providing clear messaging stating the minimal threat of contracting COVID-19 from donating and the protective measures in place, and showing how donating is achievable, may help to ensure a safe and secure blood supply throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blood donation among individuals of African origin in the Netherlands: how are barriers and motivators associated with intention?

BACKGROUND

Blood donors of African origin are under-represented in high-income Western countries, while their extended blood types closely match chronic transfusion patients with similar ancestral backgrounds. To prevent alloimunisation, it is important to recruit and retain more African blood donors. The aim of this study was to gain insight into blood donation barriers and motivators of individuals of African origin, and to assess how these are associated with the intention to donate blood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey sample included 300 participants of sub-Saharan African, Afro-Surinamese and Afro-Caribbean origin living in the Netherlands. They ranked 25 barriers and 19 motivators on the level of impediment and facilitation in blood donation. We compared differences in barriers and motivators between ever- and never-donors and tested associations with the intention to donate blood using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusted for gender, age, ethnicity, immigrant generation, educational level, and blood donation history.

RESULTS

Receiving information about the donation procedure was a highly ranked motivator especially among never-donors (50%) and was positively associated with the intention to donate (p<0.05). Non-monetary incentives, convenience factors and awareness were other important motivators. Highly ranked barriers related to fears and not feeling healthy enough to donate, although only "believing donation is scary or stressful" (reported by 8% of the ever-donors and 25% of the never-donors) remained significantly associated with intention to donate in the multivariate model (p<0.05). Recipient preferences, religion and distrust were less often reported and were not associated with donation intention.

DISCUSSION

The highest ranked barriers and motivators were not necessarily the best predictors of donation intention. These findings have valuable implications for future interventions focussing on individuals of African origin.

Thank you for donating: a survey of Australian donors' and nondonors' orientations toward noncash incentives for blood donation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to understand Australian donors' and nondonors' orientations toward 13 noncash incentives for blood and plasma donation and the associations between orientations and intention to donate (nondonors) and subsequent donation (donors).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A survey of 1028 donors and 1201 nondonors was conducted online and by telephone. Donors were randomly selected from the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood donor panel; nondonors were selected from randomly generated fixed line and mobile telephone numbers across Australia. Incentives were chosen to reflect a wide array of possible noncash incentives that might be introduced by blood donation organizations (BDOs). Differences between donors and nondonors, as well as other subgroups, were investigated.

RESULTS

Orientations toward most types of incentives were positive or neutral. No significant differences were observed between incentive orientations for whole blood versus plasma donations. Many subgroup differences were small but statistically significant. There were mostly small, positive, significant associations between nondonors' intention to donate and orientations toward noncash incentives; there were mostly no significant associations between donors' orientations and subsequent donation behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study suggest that BDOs that wish to trial noncash incentives in voluntary nonremunerative systems can be confident that neither donors nor potential donors will react negatively. They also indicate that BDOs have some flexibility in deciding which incentives to trial.

Examining students’ intention to perform voluntary blood donation using a theory of planned behaviour: A structural equation modelling approach

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the behavioural intention of students to make voluntary blood donations. Moreover, it uses a theory of planned behaviour as its guiding principle and does so within the context of Malaysia, a developing nation.

METHODS

Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 500 students at a public higher learning institution in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling approach (SEM) was performed to assess the strength of the hypothesized relationships of the proposed model simultaneously via the two-stage model-building process.

RESULTS

The SEM approach revealed that knowledge was the most influential predictor of students' intention to make a voluntary blood donation. With the knowledge that the more blood they donate, the more lives will be saved, the inclination to donate blood is intensifying among students. Moreover, all of the TPB constructs applied were also seen to significantly influence students' response to voluntary blood donation.

CONCLUSIONS

The nexus of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and knowledge about students' intention to perform voluntary blood donation are evidenced in a developing nation. The implications of the study and directions for future research are provided.

Integrating self-determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to predict intention to donate blood

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research was to test a model integrating self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict intention to donate blood.

BACKGROUND

Social science research suggests that motivational orientations outlined by SDT can be usefully integrated with constructs from the TPB to collectively predict intention and behaviour. Such analysis has not yet been undertaken in the context of blood donation.

METHODS

A total of 458 currently eligible donors completed measures of blood donor motivations, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention. Path analyses modelled the direct and indirect effects (via TPB constructs) of motivational orientations on intention.

RESULTS

SDT motivational orientations explained an additional 14% of the variance in blood donation intention, compared to a TPB-only model. Amotivation had a negative direct effect on intention; external regulation had no overall effect on intention; introjected regulation had positive direct and indirect effects on intention; and autonomous motivation predicted intention both directly as well as via attitudes, subjective norms and PBC.

CONCLUSION

This research provides the first evidence that integrating SDT and the TPB is a useful approach in donor research, particularly for specifying plausible pathways through which motivational orientations impact intention to donate blood.

A motivational interview promotes retention of blood donors with high internal motivation

BACKGROUND

Based on the hypothesis that self-determined motivation is associated with an increased likelihood of future behavior, the present study examined the ability of a motivational interview to promote internal motivation for giving blood and future donation attempts.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A sample of 484 recent whole-blood and double red blood cell donors (62.4% female; age = 30.2 ± 11.8 years) were randomly assigned to either a telephone-delivered motivational interview or a control call approximately 6 weeks after donating. Several weeks before the call and again 1 week after the call, participants completed the Blood Donor Identity Survey, a multidimensional measure of donor motivation, to derive indices of amotivation, external motivation, and internal motivation to give blood. Repeat donation attempts were tracked using blood center records.

RESULTS

Relative to controls, participants in the motivational interview group showed a shift toward more self-determined motivation, as indicated by significant decreases in amotivation (p = 0.01) and significant increases in external (p = 0.009) and internal (p = 0.002) motivation. Furthermore, those with initially high levels of autonomous motivation were more likely to make a donation attempt in the subsequent year if they completed the motivational interview (71.1%) versus the control call (55.1%).

CONCLUSION

Motivational interviewing is a potentially useful strategy to enhance retention of existing blood donors, particularly among those who express a greater sense of internal motivation for giving.

How to reverse first time donors to become regular donors? A questionnaire survey in Estonia

BACKGROUND

Donating blood in Estonia is non-remunerated and voluntary. Estonian Blood Service system has four independent regional blood centres that are responsible for blood collection, processing, screening and distribution of blood components to hospitals for clinical use.

STUDY DESIGN

This research was carried out as a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire was developed to study lapsing first time donors' (FTD) blood donation experience, intention and willingness to donate again.

METHODS

A thousand five hundred and forty-six questionnaires were posted to donors who had one successful donation in 2010 and who had not returned to second donation till the year 2012. For data analysis routine statistical methods were used. To evaluate the most appropriate number of classes, based on previous experience and future expectations, latent class analysis was used.

RESULTS

There were 453 respondents (29.3%). For the majority of aspects of blood donation experience the emotions were positive. Results of the study suggested that blood collection agencies should intervene to bolster donors' attitudes, perceived control, and identity as a donor during this crucial post-first donation period.

CONCLUSION

First blood donation seems to have been a positive experience. Reasons leading to stopping blood donation should be studied further. Establishing a donor registry for Estonia would be essential to keep track of donors.

[Commitment in plasmapheresis donation: A study of determinants among regular donors in plasmapheresis]

The purpose of this study, based on the Theory of planned behavior, is to identify and ultimately better understand what determines the fidelity and the regularity of donors committed in plasmapheresis donation. This qualitative study is a primary stage to establish a classification of donors in a French socio-cultural context. For this reason, we have carried out a survey among 16 regular plasmapheresis donors, by way of semi-structured individual interviews at the Établissement français du sang - Brittany. The level of commitment of these regular donors is considered as a level of appropriation. If subjective norms have initially influenced their decision to donate blood, no specific motivation has been highlighted for them to donate plasma except a generally favourable attitude towards the voluntary donation process. The perception of control over their environment is a variable which played a decisive role in the donor's intention to give, with little cost associated to plasmapheresis donation and recourse to internal causal explanations. A better comprehension of the plasmapheresis donors' determinants should lead us to a more efficient awareness of new potential donors, thereby enhancing recruitment and retention. Due to the increasing need for plasma-derived products, this study's ultimate issue is closely correlated both with ethical and socio-economic aspects. Following which, after analysing the results, a certain number of recommendations will be made.

Applying self-determination theory to the blood donation context: The blood donor competence, autonomy, and relatedness enhancement (Blood Donor CARE) trial

The Blood Donor Competency, Autonomy, and Relatedness Enhancement (Blood Donor CARE) project was designed as a practical application of self-determination theory to encourage retention of first-time donors. Self-determination theory proposes that people are more likely to persist with behaviors that are internally-motivated, and that externally-motivated behavior can evolve and become internalized given the appropriate socio-environmental conditions. According to self-determination theory, motivation to engage in blood donation may become increasingly self-determined if the behavior satisfies fundamental human needs for competence (a sense of self-efficacy to achieve specific goals), autonomy (a sense of volitional control over one's behavior), and relatedness (a sense of connection to a larger group). The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to examine the effect of competence, autonomy, and/or relatedness interventions on donor retention. Using a full factorial design, first-time donors will be assigned to a control condition or one of seven intervention conditions. Donation competence, autonomy, and relatedness, along with additional constructs associated with return donation, will be assessed before and after the intervention using online surveys, and donation attempts will be tracked for one-year using blood center donor databases. We hypothesize that, compared to the control condition, the interventions will increase the likelihood of a subsequent donation attempt. We will also examine intervention-specific increases in competence, autonomy, and relatedness as potential mediators of enhanced donor retention. By promoting first-time donor competence, autonomy, and relatedness our goal is to enhance internal motivation for giving and in so doing increase the likelihood of future donation.

A brief motivational interview with action and coping planning components enhances motivational autonomy among volunteer blood donors

BACKGROUND

In contrast to standard donor retention strategies (e.g., mailings, phone calls, text messages), we developed a brief telephone interview, based on motivational interviewing principles, that encourages blood donors to reflect upon their unique motivators and barriers for giving. This study examined the effect of this motivational interview, combined with action and coping plan components, on blood donor motivations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The design was to randomly assign blood donors to receive either a telephone-delivered motivational interview with action and coping plan components or a control call approximately 6 weeks after their most recent donation. Participants completed a series of surveys related to donation motivation approximately 3 weeks before telephone contact (precall baseline) and then repeated these surveys approximately 1 week after telephone contact (postcall).

RESULTS

The sample was 63% female, included a majority (52.6%) of first-time blood donors, and had a mean age of 30.0 years (SD, 11.7 years). A series of analyses of variance revealed that, relative to controls (n = 244), donors in the motivational interview group (n = 254) had significantly larger increases in motivational autonomy (p = 0.001), affective attitude (p = 0.004), self-efficacy (p = 0.03), anticipated regret (p = 0.001), and intention (p = < 0.001), as well as larger decreases in donation anxiety (p = 0.01), from precall baseline to postcall assessment.

CONCLUSION

This study supports motivational interviewing with action and coping planning as a novel strategy to promote key contributors to donor motivation.

Blood donation knowledge and attitudes among undergraduate health science students: A cross-sectional study

Awareness towards blood donation can be empowered by health professionals' role-modelling. We aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes among Greek undergraduate medical laboratory students. A questionnaire was distributed to 330 students (response rate: 88.7%). Overall, 24% had donated blood at least once, with males 4.62 times more likely to be donors. Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors were more likely to be repeaters. A quarter of all students were inclined to offer blood for monetary reward, with men more prone to accept payment. There is a need to campaign health science students during formal education through need-based as well as altruistic 'smart' messages.

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.