Effectiveness of the post-donation instruction sheet in conveying information to repeat blood donors

A rapid review of strategies to manage low iron levels in adults donating whole-blood: A focus on donor behaviour

In recognition of the impact of whole-blood donation on body iron stores, there has been an increased focus assessing the efficacy of strategies to minimise the risk of iron deficiency (ID). Whilst donor behaviour is an important determinant of success, this literature is yet to be fully synthesised to help guide blood collection agencies when implementing these strategies into routine practice. This rapid review identifies strategies for management of low iron, how they have been communicated to donors, donor compliance with advice, donor use of external health services and their effect on donor retention. Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL and Wiley online library databases were searched from 2012 to November 2023, with 29 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Five iron management strategies were identified: oral iron supplementation (IS), education, dietary advice, lengthening inter-donation interval and switching donation type. Most studies (n = 16) focused on IS, with only four reporting how they communicated this to donors. Donor use of IS was high in controlled research environments but has not been evaluated when implemented into routine practice. None of the four studies on dietary advice included findings on donor acceptability. The proportion of donors consulting their doctor about a low iron result or their risk of ID was found to be suboptimal. However, in general, the identified strategies and communications had a positive effect on donor retention. More evidence is needed on how to increase donor knowledge and awareness of donation-related risk of ID as well as to identify how to effectively communicate strategies to donors to ensure optimal acceptability and use.

Knowledge and attitudes of apheresis donors regarding apheresis blood donation

BACKGROUND

Demand for apheresis blood donation has increased with the widening of the use of blood transfusion and the decrease in the donor pool. The knowledge level of apheresis donors, their attitudes such as donating again and recommending others to donate via apheresis are important in meeting this demand.

OBJECTIVE

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 182 plateletpheresis donors to determine their knowledge and attitudes regarding apheresis blood donation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Participants were asked 34 questions (which were prepared based on the literature and perfected by expert opinion and pre-administration) to determine their level of knowledge regarding apheresis. A value of 1 point was assigned for each 'correct' answer and 0 points for 'wrong' and 'do not know' answers. Participants' total level of knowledge scores was formulated to have a value between 0 and 100 (i.e., the score of each group was divided into the number of question and multiplied by 100). Participant attitudes were evaluated based on responses to 14 questions using a 5-point Likert questionnaire.

RESULTS

Total knowledge scores regarding apheresis were moderate (55 ± 15.2). Those who were educated above the university level (compared to primary school and less, middle and high-school education levels) had higher level of knowledge scores regarding apheresis. In general, participants had a positive attitude regarding the importance and effects of apheresis blood donation. Those with the following characteristics had a positive attitude (p < 0.05) regarding the importance of apheresis blood donation: female (compared to men), single (compared to married), 18-33 years of age (compared to 34-49 and 50-65 years of age groups, with an above-university level of education (compared to primary school and less, middle and high-school education levels), informed regarding apheresis blood donation, first-time donors and donors to unknown recipients.

CONCLUSION

Study participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge and positive attitude regarding the importance of apheresis blood donation. Thus, to enhance attitudes on the procedure and reduce the risk of recipient infections, blood donors should be better informed regarding apheresis blood donation.