Knowledge level and motivation of Hong Kong young adults towards blood donation: a cross-sectional survey

Voluntary blood donation preferences in China: A discrete choice experiment among experienced and inexperienced donors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due partly to an ageing population, China faces an increasingly dire blood shortage crisis requiring greater voluntary blood donations. A better understanding of blood donation preferences can inform blood donation policies and potentially increase donations. We used an online survey and discrete choice experiment to achieve our study objective: identify the most influential structural facilitators and barriers to voluntary blood donation in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, we identified six structural attributes (travel time, venue, donation volume, paid leave, scheduling and gifts) that were hypothesized to influence voluntary blood donation; attribute selection was based on a literature review and qualitative interviews. Second, a d-efficient design with 36 choice sets and 9 blocks was developed. Participants were asked to complete four choice sets, and in each choice set, they were asked to choose from three options: two voluntary blood donation scenarios and a 'Do not donate blood' option. Study participants were recruited through an online survey platform company in China. Voluntary blood donation preferences and preferences by blood donation history were estimated with random-parameter logit models and interaction terms.

RESULTS

In 2022, 1185 individuals enrolled in the study. Most participants had college education (92%). Generally, participants preferred longer paid leave, lower blood donation volumes and gifts after donation. Based on interaction analyses, experienced and inexperienced donors exhibited similar preferences.

CONCLUSION

Campaigns to increase voluntary blood donation rates in China should consider implementing paid leave after voluntary blood donation, lower blood donation volumes and small gifts conferred after donation.

Unveiling blood donation knowledge, attitude, and practices among 12,606 university students: a cross-sectional study across 16 countries

We assessed university students' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward blood donation and identified the factors that promote or hinder their willingness to donate. We employed a multicenter cross-sectional design, collecting data from August to October 2022 through self-administered questionnaires available in Arabic and English. Both online (Google Forms) and paper surveys were utilized. Data were analyzed using R Statistical Software (v4.1.3; R Core Team 2022). A total of 12,606 university students (7966 females and 4640 males) from 16 countries completed the questionnaire; of them, 28.5% had a good knowledge level regarding blood donation, and 22.7% had donated blood at least once. Students in health science colleges had significantly more awareness of blood donation (p-value < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in practice (p-value = 0.8). Barriers to donation included not being asked (37%), medical ineligibility (33%), fear of pain or infection (18%), concerns about negative health effects (18%), difficulty accessing donation centers (15%), and medical mistrust (14%). Individuals aged > 20 years had significantly higher odds of possessing a high knowledge level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, p < 0.001). Private and international university enrollment was associated with increased knowledge (aOR 1.19, p-value < 0.001 and aOR 1.44, p-value = 0.003), while non-health science college students had lower odds (aOR 0.36, p < 0.001). Regarding blood donation status, participants > 20 years old were more likely to donate (aOR 2.21, p < 0.001). Conversely, being female, having congenital or chronic diseases, and possessing low knowledge levels were associated with decreased odds of blood donation (all p < 0.05). University students show insufficient knowledge about blood donation, with health science students displaying higher awareness levels. Despite their positive attitudes, blood donation rates remain low across all disciplines. It is imperative to enhance education and accessibility to foster a culture of blood donation among students.

Blood donation practice and its associated factors among Polish population: secondary data analysis

Introduction

Blood transfusion is an intervention widely used in therapeutics (e.g., in the perioperative period), thus, knowledge about factors associated with blood donation is important. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sociodemographic factors, personal values and life satisfaction on blood donation in Poland.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data. A multiple logistic regression was carried out to assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors, life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale), personal values (Personal Values List) and blood donation.

Results

Of the 770 respondents aged 18-65 years, 262 respondents (34%) donated blood at least once in their lives. Respondents who believed that blood donation is safe (OR = 1.71; Cl95%: 1.20 to 2.43), were male (OR = 1.47; Cl95%: 1.26 to 1.72), married (OR = 1.31; Cl95%: 1.11 to 1.54) and those with high school education (OR = 0.81; Cl95%: 0.66 to 0.99) were more often blood donors.

Conclusion

Perceived blood donation safety and sociodemographic factors such as gender, marital status, and education level may influence blood donation. Health education is necessary to increase knowledge and shape positive attitudes toward blood donation among the society.

Research on the socioeconomic factors that influence the development of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation in China-A correlation and regression analysis based on data from 2012 to 2018

Background and Aims

Previous research has shown that socioeconomic factors, such as income and education, are associated with blood donation behavior. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence blood donation behavior using a large database of blood donation records and to provide further empirical evidence and insights into the factors that influence blood donation behavior and to identify potential strategies to increase blood donation rates in China.

Methods

This study employed correlation analysis and regression analysis to investigate the impact of socioeconomic factors on blood donation rates in 36 major cities in China. The study also used the K-Means clustering algorithm to identify the socioeconomic factors that influence blood donation behavior at the per capita level. Additionally, the study conducted correlation analysis between the donor's age groups and the socioeconomic factors. The indices of economy and education were determined by correlation analysis.

Results

At the city level, overall economic output and university student populations were positively correlated with total blood donation times. However, at the per capita level, this linear relationship disappeared. By applying the K-Means clustering algorithm, the cities were divided into subgroups where the linear relationship reemerged. The study also found that the number of college students had a linear relationship with blood donors between the ages of 18-34.

Conclusion

City characteristics and demographics significantly impact blood donation rates in different ways. A universal policy may have limited effect given the heterogeneity across cities. Tailored interventions targeting specific city clusters and education levels are needed to promote blood donation behavior, especially among youth and students. Investment in education and targeted education on blood donation appear particularly impactful. A combined approach integrating social and economic policies will likely be most effective.

Voluntary blood donation knowledge, attitude, and practice among adult populations of Hosanna Town, South Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Introduction

Even though blood donation has increased in the past decades, it remains a challenge worldwide. An adequate blood supply can only be assured through voluntary blood donation. There is inadequate information on the level of blood donation practice in the current study area. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors toward voluntary blood donation among Hosanna town adult populations.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 May 2022 to 30 June 2022, on a total of 422 adult populations of Hosanna town. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants toward voluntary blood donation were measured using a set of questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square and odds ratios were calculated, and the results were presented with words and tables.

Results

In this study, a total of 422 participants enrolled with a response rate of 96.6%. Of the total respondents, 204 (48.3%), 209 (49.5%), and 123 (29.15%) study participants had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and experience of blood donation, respectively. Participants' sex being male and having favorable attitudes were found to have significant associations with blood donation practice. Furthermore, it was found that male participants were more than two and a half times more likely to donate blood than female participants (AOR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.54, 4.15). Those who had favorable attitudes were found more than three and a half times more likely to donate blood than those having unfavorable attitudes (AOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.32, 9.46).

Conclusion and recommendations

A large proportion of adult populations had poor knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and low practice toward voluntary blood donation. Therefore, local and national blood banks and transfusion agencies should design strategies that can be implemented to improve the knowledge or attitude of the adult population and motivate the population to donate blood voluntarily.

Healthful Practices Among Blood Donors in a Low-Income Setting

Background: Blood donation is sustained by the availability of healthy donors. It does not only require recruiting new healthy donors, but also maintaining existing ones in optimal health. As recruitment of new donors is not guaranteed, it is essential that existing donors are always in good shape. The study therefore assesses the lifestyles and healthy habits of a sample of recurrent blood donors, their demographic characteristics, and motivations for donation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 127 blood donors between the ages of 17 and 60 years in Korle-bu, Ghana. Participants were sampled by the snowball method and administered pre-tested electronic questionnaires. The data was summarised using the Numbers software by Apple Inc. and then analysed. Results: All were non-smokers and engaged conscientiously in at least one healthy habit of a sort, with 60.3% actively following fitness schedules. There were no lifestyle-related health conditions or substance addictions. Up to 94% of the respondents had attained university education. Motivations for donations revolved mostly around altruism and almost half (46.5%) of the respondents conceded that being blood donors had made them live healthier. Conclusion: Voluntary blood donors in the selected low-income setting were mostly health conscious, and the donor status significantly affected this way of life, only more indirectly than directly. More indirectly because the healthy habits practised were predominantly personal well-being oriented but reinforced by the desire to donate blood in many situations.

Perception of blood donation among employees of healthcare organizations during COVID-19 pandemic: A national multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply during a crisis is a major challenge facing blood banks around the world. With the recent global COVID-19 crisis and the enforced "stay at home" lockdown, access to blood donors was limited. Since employees of healthcare facilities may act as potential blood donors, their perception of blood donation and their willingness to donate during the pandemic period is important to be assessed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD

A national cross-sectional study at six centers in Saudi Arabia was conducted using an online-based questionnaire that was distributed to all healthcare employees in these facilities between June and August 2020.

RESULTS

Among the total of 1664 participants, 63.2% (n = 1051) did not donate blood during the last 2 years. However, 53% (n = 882) of participants reported they are likely to donate blood during the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, 85% (n = 1424) did not donate blood during the current pandemic, with the biggest worries of getting the COVID-19 infection in the donor center. The main concerns of participants were about adherence to physical distancing requirements and the safety of the donation procedure. The majority of health care participants (88.2%) support implementing a hospital policy for a voluntary blood donation by employees during crises.

CONCLUSION

Recruitment of more blood donors among health care employees is a feasible solution to improve the blood supply during a crisis. This should be based on efforts throughout the year including regular awareness campaigns and effective communication.

The effectiveness of iron education through a mobile application on donor return after deferral for low hemoglobin

BACKGROUND

Low hemoglobin level is a common cause of donor deferral and results in a huge loss of the donor pool. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile application as an educational tool to enhance donor return and improve hemoglobin levels after deferral.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an interventional study involving 382 blood donors who were deferred for low hemoglobin. The donors were divided equally into two groups: a control group and the intervention group. The control group received standard management for low hemoglobin deferral, which includes a short counseling session and a 1-month course of oral iron therapy. The intervention group used a mobile application in addition to standard management. The primary endpoint was the number of blood donors who returned during the 7 months of follow-up. The secondary endpoints were the hemoglobin increment at the first visit after the donors' deferral.

RESULTS

The return rate was higher in the intervention group, with 81.2% of the donors returning in the 7 months of follow-up compared to 66% of the control group (p<0.001). Male and female donors had mean hemoglobin increments of 1.0 g/dL and 0.7 g/dL, respectively, in the intervention group, compared to decrements of 0.2 g/dL and 0.4 g/dL, respectively, in the control group (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between intervention method, education level and donation status on donor return (p=0.015, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Higher return rate and greater hemoglobin increase in the interventional group could be attributed to features in the mobile application. Repeat donors had the highest odds of returning to donate, followed by those with a tertiary level of education, and those given the mobile application. This study showed that a mobile application was effective in enhancing donor return and increasing hemoglobin level among deferred blood donors on their first return.

Motivations and deterrents of blood donation among blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a reduction in blood donations and limited blood supply in many countries. The theory of planned behaviour has been widely used in past studies to understand the factors influencing blood donation. However, this theory limits analyses to the individual level. Furthermore, most research on the determinants of blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic is quantitative in nature, with relevant qualitative research being rare.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the motivators and demotivators for donating blood among current blood donors during COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Forty in-depth, individual semistructured interviews were conducted with current blood donors from December 2020 to March 2021 in Hong Kong. Thematic content analysis was adopted in the data analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of the participants (n = 37) were demotivated from donating blood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors at the perceptual, social and institutional levels interacted to cause this reluctance. Only three participants felt more motivated to donate blood. The data revealed that sociocultural forces and government pandemic prevention policies strongly affected the participants' motivations to donate blood during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a macro understanding of blood donation behaviour by investigating the institutional, social and perceptual factors influencing current blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This adds a more comprehensive understanding of blood donation where the theory of planned behaviour is widely used in past studies.

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The participants shared their experiences in the interviews. Their experiences provide hints for explaining the decreasing blood donation during the pandemic times.

Investigating and Predicting Intentions to Continue Using Mobile Payment Platforms after the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Study among Retailers in India

The Indian retail industry has registered tremendous growth recently. The sudden emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the related measures that were taken by the authorities to curb the pandemic have compelled retailers and their consumers to transact using digital platforms. This study investigates the critical precursors to retailers’ behavioral intention to use mobile platforms for their business transactions in the post-pandemic era. This study adopted a framework that combined the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and self-determination theory (SDT) to predict behavioral intentions. A hybrid approach combining partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques was used to test and validate the proposed framework. Four hundred and ninety-six participants from different central Indian cities participated in the study. PLS-SEM results confirmed that the motivational factors (need satisfaction [NS] and need frustration [NF]) significantly influence the attitude (AT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and behavioral intention (BI). Furthermore, the findings also established the partial mediating effect of AT, SN, and PBC on the relationship between motivational construct (NS and NF) and BI. Finally, the relationship established by SEM was successfully validated by ANN in the existence of a nonlinear relationship in the data. The findings may help retail stakeholders to support retail owners in their pursuit to continue using mobile payment systems in the post-COVID-19 world.

Perceptions and Experiences of Migrants in Korea Regarding Blood Donation in Association with Sociodemographic Status

Background

With increasing number of migrants in Korea, there is an increasing need for blood products with rare blood antigens. Accordingly, the role of blood donors among migrants has been acknowledged. We investigated migrants’ experiences and perceptions of blood donation along with their sociodemographic status and identified the effects on self-reported blood donation status.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey using a self-developed, structured questionnaire was conducted on 479 migrants. The questionnaire included items about experiences, knowledge, and perceptions on blood donation and sociodemographic factors of respondents.

Results

Most migrants in this study were from Southeast Asia (54.7%) or China (39.9%). Among them, 28.6% (N=137) had donated blood previously, and 2.7% (N=13) had previously donated blood in Korea. All previous blood donors were volunteers, and the two major deterrents of blood donation for non-donors were the fear of pain and lack of knowledge about blood donation. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the country of birth (odds ratio [OR]=2.65, P<0.001 [China]; OR=4.85, P=0.001 [countries other than China and Southeast Asian countries]) and employment status (OR=2.80, P=0.034) were independently associated with blood donation.

Conclusions

This is the first Korean study to analyze migrants’ experiences and perceptions of blood donation in relation to their sociodemographic status. Our findings can help establish blood donation policies for migrants, devise campaigns to enhance blood donation awareness, and ultimately create a pool of rare blood resources in a multicultural society.

A review of whole-blood donors' willingness, motives, barriers and interventions related to donating another substance of human origin

Diversification of blood collection agencies' (BCAs) core business requires donors to donate substances of human origin (SoHO) beyond whole-blood. Whole-blood donors are assumed to be willing to convert to donate other SoHO as well as whole-blood. However, no reviews consider the evidence on conversion (i.e., willingness/intention, behaviour, retention, attrition). This rapid review provides a narrative synthesis of whole-blood donors' conversion to another SoHO, characteristics contributing to conversion, motives and deterrents, and interventions encouraging conversion. Sixty-five studies were reviewed. Most were cross-sectional and examined whole-blood donor conversion to organ (willingness/pledge for deceased donation), plasma or stem cell donation. Most examined conversion rather than characteristics contributing to conversion, motives, deterrents or interventions. Whole-blood donors appear willing to donate another SoHO, yet conversion rates are unclear. Besides self-efficacy, there is little consistency in reported characteristics of donors converting, and few theories applied to understand characteristics encouraging conversion. Intrinsic (altruism, self-esteem, curiosity) and extrinsic (perceived need, service experience, direct requests) motives and barriers (lifestyle, fearing reduced health) appear important and require further research. Interventions encouraging conversion need replication and may include in-person, in-centre approaches, raising awareness of the functional benefits of other SoHO (high need, usefulness), and developing promotional materials that pique donors' curiosity, invite questions, and encourage donor-initiated conversations about conversion. Centralising BCAs as a single business or partnering with other organisations appears mutually beneficial to encourage conversion and sustainable panels/resources. Research is needed to understand the impact of encouraging conversion on donors and organisations, and identify optimal management strategies for multi-SoHO donors.

Blood Donation Fear, Perceived Rewards, Self-Efficacy, and Intention to Return Among Whole Blood Donors in China: A Social Cognitive Perspective

With the increasing demand from aging population and seasonal blood shortage, recruiting and retaining blood donors has become an urgent issue for the blood collection centers in China. This study aims to understand intention to donate again from a social cognitive perspective among whole blood donors in China through investigating the association between the blood donation fear, perceived rewards, self-efficacy, and intention to return. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six cities, which are geographically and socioeconomically distinct areas in Jiangsu, China. Respondents completed a self-administrated questionnaire interviewed by two well-trained medical students. A total of 191 blood donors were included in the current study. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and a generalized linear regression model were used to explore the association between demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and intention to donate again. After controlling other covariates, donors with higher fear scores reported lower intention to return (p = 0.008). Association between self-efficacy and intention to return was statistically significant (p < 0.001), whereas the association between intrinsic rewards (p = 0.387), extrinsic rewards (p = 0.939), and intention to return were statistically insignificant. This study found that either intrinsic rewards or extrinsic rewards are not significantly associated with intention to donate again among whole blood donors in China, and fear is negatively associated with intention to donate again. Therefore, purposive strategies could be enacted beyond appeals to rewards and focus on the management of donors’ fear.

Awareness, Motivation, and Fear towards Canine Blood Donation-A Survey of Dog Owners in Lithuania

Simple Summary

Canine blood transfusions and blood donations are integral to veterinary medicine. Currently, the supply of canine blood products is not meeting the demand, and veterinarians find it difficult to recruit blood donors, especially when animal welfare is a priority. The general aim of our study was to determine how to improve the effectiveness of canine blood donor recruitment. To do this, we conducted a survey to identify the level of dog owners’ awareness about canine blood donation and to help us understand what would motivate people to become a part of the donation process as well as what people are afraid of. The results of our study suggest that donor recruitment could be increased by dispelling the myths about possible complications and by improving communication between veterinary doctors and dog owners, as the awareness of canine blood donation is poor. In conclusion, recruitment strategies should focus on the management of fear regarding canine blood donation, as well as animal welfare and the education of clients, as motivational strategies come second.

Abstract

The recruitment of canine blood donors remains a challenge, especially in countries where blood donation and veterinary medicine are still emerging medical fields. There are few previous studies that have discussed canine blood donation strategies, and the subject of fear and its influencing factors have not been investigated. The main purpose of our study was to investigate dog owners’ awareness, motivation, and fear regarding canine blood donation in order to improve donor recruitment strategies. We created a six-page questionnaire and submitted it to dog owners (n = 207) in person. Two-thirds of the respondents (65.7%) were not aware that canine blood donation exists in Lithuania. We did not find any factors that would significantly affect the motivation of respondents toward donation. We found an association between the fear of the owner and the health status of the owned dog (p = 0.008), as well as if their animal had needed urgent care in the past (p = 0.031). The fact that some participants were blood donors themselves did not affect their motivation, but they were 19.76% less afraid of canine blood donation (p = 0.001), as were respondents who were aware of canine blood donation (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the recruitment strategy should focus on the management of fear toward canine blood donation and the education of clients, and donor welfare must remain a priority.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Blood Transfusion Services: A Perspective from Health Professionals and Donors

Purpose

Since the emergence of the COVI9-19 pandemic, there has been concern about the availability and sufficiency of blood transfusions to meet patient needs. Also, the adequate and safe blood supply is a major issue to fulfill present demands. This study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the blood transfusion service and identify solutions to overcome this impact from the perspective of blood donors and healthcare professionals.

Methods

This study was conducted prospectively among Saudi Arabian blood donors and healthcare professionals between May 2020 and May 2021. A group of professional health care professionals and blood donors participated in this study to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood transfusion services and identify possible solutions to overcome the adverse effects on blood system activities.

Results

To understand the impact of pandemic COVID-19 on blood transfusion services in Saudi Arabia, we investigated population dynamics and statistical analysis from different age groups and health care professionals. A total of 424 blood donors and 372 healthcare professionals participated in this study. The suggested solution by the participants to overcome the blood shortage during pandemics was the organization of mobile blood drives at donors’ homes, work, and educational sites. Statically significant associations were found between blood donation during this pandemic and age (p=0.019) and marital status (p=0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the main problems of blood transfusion due to the onset of COVID-19. Hence, the data could be a source of improving blood transfusion and blood donation systems by healthcare centers and on an individual basis. Healthcare professionals use this public management system in hospitals to minimize the adverse effects of the pandemic.

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Evaluation of nurses' attitudes and behaviors against blood donation

OBJECTIVE

This study was planned to evaluate the attitudes and behaviors of nurses towards blood donation.

METHOD

This study was conducted between 01 April and 30 September 2019 in a training and research hospital with 269 nurses from 450 nurses who agreed to participate in the study. "Questionnaire" and "Blood Donation Attitude Scale" were used to collect the data. The scale consists of three dimensions. Scores can be obtained from the scale in the range of 24-120. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation), independent sample t-test and One Way ANOVA were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

95.5 % of the nurses participated in the study were women and 68.4 % were graduate. In addition, their average age was 30.11 ± 8.04 and the year they spent in the profession is 7.74 ± 8.09. It was found that 31.6 % of the nurses donated blood before, 95.9 % did not need blood donation before, 73.6 % received training about blood donation and 13.4 % donated their organs. The total mean score of the BDAS of the individuals participating in the study is 79.74 ± 9.52. The mean scores obtained from the sub-dimensions of social and social responsibility, anxiety, social opinion and understanding are 49.66 ± 6.16, 19.81 ± 5.21 and 10.31 ± 3.65, respectively. Received training on blood donation get higher scores (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nurses' blood donation attitudes are positive. Training on blood donation and donating organs increases social opinion and understanding in blood donation.

Knowledge Level, Motivators and Barriers of Blood Donation among Students at Qatar University

In Qatar, one out of every ten patients admitted to the hospitals is in urgent need of a blood transfusion or blood products. The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about blood donation and (2) to identify the factors that contribute to the willingness to donate blood among young adults. A cross-sectional survey using a constructed questionnaire was conducted among students at Qatar University. A total of 590 responses were collected, out of which 423 were suitable for analysis. Only 72 out of 472 (15%) participants were blood donors. The chi-square test and t-test were then used to study the association of blood donation status with different factors. Significant values were considered to be p ≤ 0.5. Gender and age were found to be significantly associated with blood donation status, with a higher frequency of donation among males and adults above the age of 24 years old. On the other hand, the total knowledge score was found to not be significantly associated with blood donation status with a mean score of 60.5% for both groups (blood donors, non-blood donors). The most common motivators that encouraged blood donors were donating to help people, followed by having a blood mobile unit come to your place, whereas the most common barriers reported by non-blood donors were failing to meet the requirements, followed by "never having been asked to give blood". This is the first study in Qatar to assess blood donation status. It provides insights that would help in developing effective strategies for the recruitment and retention of young adult blood donors in Qatar and countries with similar cultures. Raising awareness about blood donation, along with providing more mobile blood donation units at public places, will aid in increasing the frequency of blood donation among young adults.

ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Distribution and Blood Donation Willingness Among First-Year Health Students in a Saudi University

Background

Understanding the distribution of blood groups and blood donation willingness in a population is crucial in managing blood banks and transfusion services. Moreover, awareness of one’s own blood group is essential especially in emergencies that mandate blood donation. This study aimed to determine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups among health students, the students’ knowledge about their blood group, and their willingness to donate blood.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included all newly accepted health students in a large university in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (N=1145) during August 2020. The data included a self-administered questionnaire and the serology results of ABO and Rh factors. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were performed followed by a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis which identified the predictors of willingness of blood donation.

Results

Blood group O was the most frequent type among students (51.1%), followed by group A (24.5%) and B (20.4%). The majority (93.3%) of students had Rh-positive factor. When we compared students’ answers with their sample results, most students (75.5%) correctly reported their ABO and Rh blood groups. Male students and those with a previous history of blood donation correctly reported their blood group more than others. Of the total sample, 47.3% were willing to donate blood within the next year. Positive predictors of the willingness of student to donate blood included being male, and those with a history of blood donation. Interestingly, students with a family member in the healthcare field were significantly less likely to donate blood.

Conclusion

Blood group O and Rh positive were the most frequent blood groups. Most students had a good knowledge about their blood groups, and about half of students were willing to donate blood. Efforts to encourage the young population to participate in blood donation are crucial.

Characterization of blood donors and non-blood donors in Germany using an online survey

Objectives of this study were to analyze characteristics influencing blood donation status, to identify anxieties and reasons for (non-)blood donation, and potential channels for future blood donation campaigns. A random population from Germany was interviewed using the online survey tool SoSci Survey. The access link to the questionnaire was distributed via snowball system and the Bavarian Red Cross. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors influencing blood donation status. A total of 682 participants (27.3% blood donors) with a mean age of 33.4 and a standard deviation (SD) of 12.0 years were included into the analysis. Strongest factor associated with being blood donor was having a blood donor within family and friends (Odds ratio [OR]: 5.05 [95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.63; 9.70]; p≤0.001), whereas having anxiety related to blood donation was the strongest factor for being non-blood donor (OR: 0.11 [95% CI: 0.05; 0.21] p≤0.001). Other factors significantly influencing blood donor status were age, health-related quality of life, knowledge on blood donation, being an organ donor and having pre-conditions. Main anxieties avoiding blood donation were fear of physical consequences, and fear of the injection needle. Most frequently mentioned channels which should be used for blood donation campaigns were Instagram and free TV. Involving blood donors into campaigns to recruit new blood donors from their personal environment and to focus campaign content on physical benefits of blood donations might help to recruit new blood donors. In addition, running campaigns stronger on channels such as Instagram might increase their scope.

Blood Donation Practice among Undergraduate Students in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction:

Voluntary blood donation is a reliable source of increasing the demand for blood transfusion. Medical students are the potential pool of blood donors. This study aims to find the prevalence of blood donation practice among medical students of a medical college in Nepal.

Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a medical college of Nepal among students studying from the first year to final year MBBS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (Ref no. 245). A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016.

Results:

The prevalence of blood donation practice among medical students of the medical college is 41 (22.20%) (17.35-27.05 at 95% Confidence Interval). The practice of blood donation is seen more among students of the final year 15 (35.71%) and the least among first year 3 (8.57%). Most of the donors, 24 (58.54%), have donated blood only once before. The most common reasons for donating and not donating blood before are ‘behavior of altruism’ 12 (29.27%) and ‘I am not fit/disapproved’ 44 (30.56%) respectively.

Conclusions:

This study shows less prevalence of blood donation practice among medical students. It points to the need for more extensive studies to explore the factors deterring medical students from donating blood. Definitive strategies are also needed to encourage medical students to increased voluntary participation in blood donation.

Voluntary Blood Donation Among Bahir Dar University Students: Application of Integrated Behavioral Model, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020

Introduction

The World Health Organization recommends that 1% to 3% of a country's population should donate blood to meet its demand and should focus on young people to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation. The aim of this study was to assess voluntary blood donation among Bahir Dar University students by using an integrated behavioral model.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Bahir Dar University students from March 1–21, 2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select 625 study participants. Data were entered in Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Path analysis was done using Stata 15 to check the causal effect of the integrated behavioral model constructs on voluntary blood donation. Internal consistency and validity of constructs were checked using Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Multivariable linear and logistics regression were used to predict independent predictors on intention and voluntary blood donation, respectively. The significant independent predictor was declared at 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05.

Results

One hundred and four (16.8%) university students donated blood voluntarily. Being female (AOR = 1.92 (1.15–3.22)), being third year (AOR = 2.88 (1.55–5.35)), knowledge (AOR = 1.53 (1.32–1.77)), descriptive norm (AOR = 1.10 (1.01–1.12)) and intention (AOR = 1.42 (1.28–1.57)) were positively associated with blood donation. Injunctive norm (B = 0.06) and self-efficacy (B = 0.36) have significant association with intention. Intention, descriptive norm and knowledge have significant effect on blood donation with path coefficient 0.0, 0.09 and 0.48, respectively.

Conclusion

The magnitude of voluntary blood donation was low as compared to other similar studies. Descriptive norm, intention, knowledge, sex, year of study were significant predictors associated with voluntary blood donation. Therefore, behavioral change health communication strategies should develop to address these factors among the students. Researchers should conduct prospective analytical study design to examine the causal relationship of constructs of the model to develop better interventional strategy.

Frequency of ABO and Rh Blood Group Distribution at Debre Tabor Blood Bank, Amhara Region, North-Central Ethiopia. A Six-Year Retrospective Survey

Introduction

Blood is arranged into four groups based on their surface antigen (A, B, AB, and O). In addition to this classification based on the Rhesus factor, each blood group clustered into RH positive and RH negative. This study was done to identify the distribution of blood group and rhesus factors on the local blood bank.

Objective

To identify the frequency of ABO blood group and RH factors distribution on voluntary blood donator at Debre Tabor blood bank from May 2014 to May 2020.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify the frequency of ABO and Rh factor distribution on voluntary blood donors at Debre Tabor town blood bank. The data was collected at Debre Tabor blood bank. A six-year data and a total of 19,901 bags collected blood samples were used for summarization of the data. The data was analysed by using SPSS version 21.

Results

Blood group "O" was the dominated one with 39.6% followed by blood group "A", "B" and "AB" with 29.48%, 24.06%, and 6.7%, respectively. When we see the RH classifications, RH positive accounts the highest percentage 92.77% and the remaining 7.23% was Rh negatives.

Conclusion

In this survey, the majority of blood groups were found "O" followed by "A", "B", and "AB". Among the collected blood unities, 92.77% was RH positive. The leading blood donators were male.