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Ferguson E, Bowen S, Lawrence C, Starmer C, Barr A, Davison K, Reynolds C, Brailsford SR. Communicating the move to individualized donor selection policy: Framing messages focused on recipients and safety. Transfusion 2023; 63:171-181. [PMID: 36349898 PMCID: PMC10099824 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) have been deferred from donating blood. However, recent evidence supports the adoption of donor screening based on individuals' sexual behavior over population-based criteria. We explore how best to frame communications about adopting this change to minimize any potential negative consequences (e.g., reduced donor numbers). We examine the effectiveness of risk (emphasizing safety vs. emphasizing low risk), and focus (donor vs. recipient) frames on intentions to donate blood (approach) or feeling deterred from donating (avoid), and mechanisms linked to under-reporting sexual behavior. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a 2 (risk frame: risk vs. safety) by 3 (focus: donor vs. recipient vs. both) between-subjects online experiment (n = 2677). The main outcomes were intentions to donate and feelings of being put-off/deterred from donating (both for self and others). We also assessed the extent that forgetting, embarrassment/shame, and question irrelevance were perceived to be associated with under-reporting sexual behavior. RESULTS Frames that focused on safety or a recipient resulted in people reporting being less deterred from donating. Regardless of frame, people from ethnic minorities were more likely to feel deterred. Embarrassment/shame followed by forgetting and perceived irrelevance were the main reasons for under-reporting sexual behaviors, especially in ethnic minorities, and smartphones were perceived as an acceptable memory aid for sexual behavior. DISCUSSION Blood services moving to an individualized policy should frame donor selection in terms of safety and/or a recipient focus, explore sensitivities in ethnic minority communities, consider ways to normalize reporting sexual behavior, and use smartphones as a memory aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Ferguson
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,National Institute for Health and Care Research Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Donor Health and Behaviour, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Bowen
- School of Economics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Behavioural Practice, KPUK, Westminster, London, UK
| | | | - Chris Starmer
- School of Economics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Abigail Barr
- School of Economics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Katy Davison
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, UK Health Security Agency London, London, UK
| | - Claire Reynolds
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Susan R Brailsford
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
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2
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Park C, Gellman C, O'Brien M, Eidelberg A, Subudhi I, Gorodetsky EF, Asriel B, Furlow A, Mullen M, Nadkarni G, Somani S, Sigel K, Reich DL. Blood Donation and COVID-19: Reconsidering the 3-Month Deferral Policy for Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men. Am J Public Health 2020; 111:247-252. [PMID: 33211588 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In April 2020, in light of COVID-19-related blood shortages, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reduced the deferral period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from its previous duration of 1 year to 3 months.Although originally born out of necessity, the decades-old restrictions on MSM donors have been mitigated by significant advancements in HIV screening, treatment, and public education. The severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic-and the urgent need for safe blood products to respond to such crises-demands an immediate reconsideration of the 3-month deferral policy for MSM.We review historical HIV testing and transmission evidence, discuss the ethical ramifications of the current deferral period, and examine the issue of noncompliance with donor deferral rules. We also propose an eligibility screening format that involves an individual risk-based screening protocol and, unlike current FDA guidelines, does not effectively exclude donors on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Our policy proposal would allow historically marginalized community members to participate with dignity in the blood donation process without compromising blood donation and transfusion safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Park
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Caroline Gellman
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Madeline O'Brien
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Andrew Eidelberg
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Ipsita Subudhi
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth F Gorodetsky
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Benjamin Asriel
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Andrew Furlow
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Michael Mullen
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Girish Nadkarni
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Sulaiman Somani
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Keith Sigel
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - David L Reich
- Christopher Park, Caroline Gellman, Madeline O'Brien, Benjamin Asriel, Andrew Furlow, Michael Mullen, Girish Nadkarni, Sulaiman Somani, Keith Sigel, and David L. Reich are with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Andrew Eidelberg is with the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY. Ipsita Subudhi and Elizabeth F. Gorodetsky are with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
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Lanteri MC, Santa-Maria F, Laughhunn A, Girard YA, Picard-Maureau M, Payrat JM, Irsch J, Stassinopoulos A, Bringmann P. Inactivation of a broad spectrum of viruses and parasites by photochemical treatment of plasma and platelets using amotosalen and ultraviolet A light. Transfusion 2020; 60:1319-1331. [PMID: 32333396 PMCID: PMC7317863 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The INTERCEPT Blood System pathogen reduction technology (PRT), which uses amotosalen and ultraviolet A light treatment (amotosalen/UV-PRT), inactivates pathogens in plasma and platelet components (PCs). This review summarizes data describing the inactivation efficacy of amotosalen/UVA-PRT for a broad spectrum of viruses and parasites. METHODS Twenty-five enveloped viruses, six nonenveloped viruses (NEVs), and four parasites species were evaluated for sensitivity to amotosalen/UVA-PRT. Pathogens were spiked into plasma and PC at high titers. Samples were collected before and after PRT and assessed for infectivity with cell cultures or animal models. Log reduction factors (LRFs) were defined as the difference in infectious titers before and after amotosalen/UV-PRT. RESULTS LRFs of ≥4.0 log were reported for 19 pathogens in plasma (range, ≥4.0 to ≥7.6), 28 pathogens in PC in platelet additive solution (PC-PAS; ≥4.1-≥7.8), and 14 pathogens in PC in 100% plasma (PC-100%; (≥4.3->8.4). Twenty-five enveloped viruses and two NEVs were sensitive to amotosalen/UV-PRT; LRF ranged from >2.9 to ≥7.6 in plasma, 2.4 or greater to greater than 6.9 in PC-PAS and >3.5 to >6.5 in PC-100%. Infectious titers for four parasites were reduced by >4.0 log in all PC and plasma (≥4.9 to >8.4). CONCLUSION Amotosalen/UVA-PRT demonstrated effective infectious titer reduction for a broad spectrum of viruses and parasites. This confirms the capacity of this system to reduce the risk of viral and parasitic transfusion-transmitted infections by plasma and PCs in various geographies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion C Lanteri
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | | | - Andrew Laughhunn
- Department of Microbiology, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | - Yvette A Girard
- Department of Microbiology, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | | | - Jean-Marc Payrat
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Cerus Europe BV, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Irsch
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Cerus Europe BV, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Bringmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
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Grace D, Gaspar M, Lessard D, Klassen B, Brennan DJ, Adam BD, Jollimore J, Lachowsky NJ, Hart TA. Gay and bisexual men's views on reforming blood donation policy in Canada: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:772. [PMID: 31208391 PMCID: PMC6580549 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers and activists have long called for changes to blood donation policies to end what is frequently framed as unjustified bans or deferral periods for men who have sex with men (MSM). Since 2016, in Canada, a man had to be abstinent from all sexual contact (anal or oral sex) with other men for at least 12 months in order to be an eligible blood donor. As of June 3, 2019, this deferral period was reduced to 3 months. METHODS To better understand the acceptance of existing deferral policies and possible future policy, we conducted 47 in-depth interviews with a demographically diverse sample of gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Canada's three largest cities: Vancouver, (n = 17), Toronto (n = 15), and Montreal (n = 15). Interviews were coded in NVivo 11 following an inductive thematic analysis. We focus on men's preferred policy directions and their opinions about a policy change proposed by Canada's blood operators: a 3-month deferral for all sexual activity between men. We interviewed GBM approximately one-year before this new deferral policy was approved by Health Canada. RESULTS Most participants were opposed to any deferral period in relation to MSM-specific sexual activity. A fair and safe policy was one that was the "same for everyone" and included screening for several risk factors during the blood donation process with no categorical exclusion of all sexually active MSM. Participants believed that multiple "gender blind" and HIV testing-related strategies could be integrated into the blood donation process. These preferences for a move away from MSM-specific exclusions aligned with their opinions concerning the possible change to a 3-month MSM deferral, for which participants shared three overarching perspectives: (1) step in the right direction; (2) ambivalence and uncertainty; and (3) not an improvement. CONCLUSION A predominant assertion was that a change from a 12-month to a 3-month deferral period would not resolve the fundamental issues of fairness and equity affecting blood screening practices for GBM in Canada. Many participants believed that blood donation policy should be based on more up-to-date scientific evidence concerning risk factor assessment and HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 5th Floor, Room 556, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Mark Gaspar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 5th Floor, Room 510, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - David Lessard
- Centre for Health Outcomes Research, McGill University Health Centre, 5252 de Maisonneuve West, Montréal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - Benjamin Klassen
- Department of History, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - David J Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Barry D Adam
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, 1300 Yonge Street #600, Toronto, ON, M4T 1X3, Canada
| | - Jody Jollimore
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H2, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, Faculty of Human & Social Development, University of Victoria, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar, P.O. Box 1700, STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- HIV Prevention Lab, Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
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5
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Wentz AE, Merchant RC, Clark MA, Liu T, Rosenberger JG, Bauermeister JA, Mayer KH. Blood Donation, Sexual Practices, and Self-Perceived Risk for HIV in the United States Among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex With Men. Public Health Rep 2018; 134:36-46. [PMID: 30526313 PMCID: PMC6304728 DOI: 10.1177/0033354918815182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, all men who have sex with men (MSM) were banned from donating blood from 1985 through 2015. In 2016, the guideline was amended such that men who had sexual contact with other men within the previous 12 months could not donate blood. We aimed to identify blood donation practices and their relationship with HIV risk and testing among young adult MSM (YMSM) at risk for having HIV. METHODS In 2014, we recruited HIV-negative non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white YMSM aged 18-24 from across the United States through social media platforms to complete an online survey. Among these YMSM who previously donated blood, we conducted a secondary analysis examining the relationship between having donated blood within the past 12 months and sexual risk behavior from recent condomless anal intercourse (CAI), HIV testing, and self-perceived risk of having an undiagnosed HIV infection. RESULTS Of the 2261 YMSM surveyed, 1104 (48.8%) had ever previously donated blood and 305 (13.5%) had donated blood within the past 12 months. Of the 305 blood donors, 50 (16.4%) had ever had CAI before their most recent blood donation. Among YMSM who donated blood, past-12-month blood donation was more likely among YMSM who never had CAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.73) than among YMSM who had CAI and more likely among YMSM who believed it was not possible at all that they had an undiagnosed HIV infection (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.16) than among YMSM who believed there was any possibility of having an undiagnosed HIV infection; it was not related to past-12-month HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS YMSM donated blood frequently, suggesting that the deferral process in place did not prevent YMSM from donating blood. The current donor screening process should be reconsidered if it is to prevent YMSM from donating blood. Future research could identify screening questions that permit YMSM with a low risk of HIV infection to donate blood while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Wentz
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University,
Providence, RI, USA
| | - Roland C. Merchant
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University,
Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA,
USA
| | - Melissa A. Clark
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences and Center for Health Policy and
Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, School of
Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School,
Boston, MA, USA
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