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Knowledge and Barriers About Blood Donation and Associated Factors in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Alanazi, A. E., Almulla, B. R. F., Alanazi, S. M. S., Alshammari, S. K. M., Aldossary, A. A. A., Alanazi, S. G. M., Alenezi, R. A. S., Alanazi, T. M. B.
Cureus. 2023;15(11):e48506
Abstract
Transfusions and blood donations are relatively risk-free medical procedures. However, attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge levels about blood donation and transfusion may influence such operations. This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes towards blood donation in Saudi Arabia. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan (Qatar Computing Research Institute, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar) was employed throughout this comprehensive process. This review included 17 studies with a total of 9,212 patients, and 4,806 (52.2%) were males. The majority of Saudis lacked awareness about blood donation and had unfavorable opinions towards it. In addition to various fears, mistrust, a lack of information, and not being approached by anyone to donate blood, participants reported that the distance to the donation site, the difficulty with transportation, the time commitment, getting a quick break from work or the office, or taking time off from home were also contributing to the negative attitudes towards blood donation. While youthful participants were more likely to contribute, Saudi university students in this study had inadequate information but positive attitudes about blood donation. Ineligibility, fear of giving blood, and inaccurate information regarding blood donation are the main deterrents to blood donation.
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A randomized controlled trial of post-donation communication materials to increase donor return following a vasovagal reaction
Thijsen, A., Gemelli, C. N., Davison, T. E., Masser, B.
Transfusion. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) are one of the primary reasons for people to stop donating blood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of newly developed online communications on the rate of return of whole-blood (WB) and plasma donors who experienced a VVR. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS First-time and experienced WB and plasma donors who had a VVR without a loss of consciousness in the previous 3 days were randomly allocated to receive (a) an SMS sent 1-4 days post-VVR (n = 2303), (b) an email sent 6-10 days post-VVR (n = 2360), (c) both the SMS and the email (n = 2248), or (d) business-as-usual donor retention communications (control; n = 2557). Donation data were extracted to determine subsequent donation attempts. RESULTS For return within 3 months, WB donors in the Email Only condition had significantly increased odds of returning (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.01-1.56). Subgroup analysis within WB donors showed increased odds of return for women sent the SMS and Email (OR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.14-1.96) or the Email Only (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.10-1.89), and for first-time donors sent the Email Only (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.07-2.05). At 6 months, only first-time WB donors in the Email Only condition had significantly increased odds of returning (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01-1.69). No significant effects of the intervention were found for immediate or intermediate return for plasma donors. DISCUSSION Sending an email addressing common donor concerns regarding VVRs increases WB donor retention, but additional strategies are needed for the effects to last and to retain plasma donors.
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Alternatives to blood donor deferral of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: Acceptability of screening the sexual risk behavior of all blood donors
Fisher WA, Kohut T, Woo H, Haw J
Transfusion. 2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood operators screen donors to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Many are evolving screening procedures from those that defer all who have had a sexual interaction with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) to an approach that assesses individual donors' recent sexual risk behavior with any partner. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A representative sample of current blood donors (N = 1194) was recruited online and randomized to complete either the existing (at the time of the study) Canadian Blood Services' donor questionnaire (DQ) that screens out those with recent gbMSM sexual experience, a modified donor questionnaire (MDQ) that assesses individuals' recent sexual behavior with any partner, or an MDQ that assesses individual sexual behavior with any partner and explains why these questions are asked. Respondents were asked for their perceptions concerning difficulty, comfort, and acceptability of these screening questionnaires. RESULTS Across experimental conditions, current donors regarded screening questionnaire difficulty to be low; discomfort in responding was minimal; screening questionnaires were perceived to be relatively inoffensive and justified, and very few donors would cease donating if the screening questionnaire they responded to became the one in general use. Some minor sex differences were observed, and in some cases, perceptions of the MDQ with explanation were somewhat more positive than those of the DQ and MDQ without explanation. DISCUSSION An individual risk behavior screening approach appears to be acceptable to current blood donors as an alternative to screening out all who have recently engaged in gbMSM sexual interactions.
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What influences decisions to donate plasma? A rapid review of the literature
Berger, M., Easterbrook, A., Holloway, K., Devine, D., Bansback, N.
Vox sanguinis. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Plasma has become an essential ingredient for various medical treatments. Many blood collection agencies rely on voluntary non-remunerated donation when collecting plasma, but at present many do not collect sufficient plasma to meet domestic demands. This rapid review sought to explore the factors that have been found to influence people's decisions to donate plasma to inform future research. METHODS Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index and CINAHL for peer-reviewed journal articles that discussed plasma donation and the factors associated with donor behaviour. Pertinent information from included articles was extracted and arranged in themes. RESULTS In total, 33 articles were included in this review. Three main themes were identified by the authors. The first focused on site-level factors related to blood collection agencies' engagement with plasma donors and their influence on plasma donation experiences. The second theme considered how individual characteristics and experiences influence willingness to donate plasma. The third theme examined social and cultural-level factors, such as how social networks and community shape perceptions and experiences with donation. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the current understanding of plasma donation is focused mainly on converting whole blood donors and also centres on individual-level factors to donation. Further research must examine what factors attract non-whole blood donors to become plasma donors, focusing on broader social-level influences. This review will inform policies and interventions for blood collection agencies to increase plasma donors.
PICO Summary
Population
Plasma donors (33 studies).
Intervention
Rapid review exploring the factors influencing people's decisions to donate plasma.
Comparison
Outcome
Three main themes were identified by the authors. The first focused on site-level factors related to blood collection agencies' engagement with plasma donors and their influence on plasma donation experiences. The second theme considered how individual characteristics and experiences influence willingness to donate plasma. The third theme examined social and cultural-level factors, such as how social networks and community shape perceptions and experiences with donation.
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5.
The health impacts of blood donation: a systematic review of donor and non-donor perceptions
Thorpe, R., Masser, B., Coundouris, S. P., Hyde, M. K., Kruse, S. P., Davison, T. E.
Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health and well-being of volunteer donors is of critical concern for blood collection agencies responsible for ensuring a stable supply of blood products. However, lay understandings of the impact of donating blood on health remain poorly understood. As lay perceptions are likely to influence critical decisions about donation, understanding these perceptions is key for informing evidence-based approaches to donor retention and recruitment. As such, we conducted a systematic review of the blood donation literature to identify donors' and non-donors' perceptions of the short and longer-term physiological health effects of whole-blood and/or blood product donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from January 1995 to February 2021 were included. Perceptions were defined as both experiences and beliefs. Psychological effects were considered outside the scope of the review. RESULTS A total of 247 studies were included. Most studies (89.5%) had donation-related health perceptions as a background rather than a central (10.5%) focus, and they were only assessed in relation to whole blood donation. More results focused on health-related beliefs than experiences (82 vs 18%), specific rather than general beliefs and experiences (80 vs 20%) and more frequently examined negative than positive beliefs and experiences (83 vs 17%). The most commonly studied and reported specific negative beliefs related to increased risk of infectious disease, reduced vitality, vasovagal reactions and low iron. Most studies examining specific negative beliefs were conducted in Asian countries. DISCUSSION Findings reinforce that lay perspectives on how donation impacts health are under-researched, and it is difficult to know how important these are in informing critical decisions about donation for donors and non-donors. We suggest that further research with donation-related health beliefs and experiences as the central focus is needed to provide insights to inform communications with donors and the public.
PICO Summary
Population
Blood donors and non-donors (247 studies, comprising: 27 qualitative, 204 quantitative, and 16 mixed-design methods).
Intervention
Systematic review of the blood donation literature to identify donors' and non-donors' perceptions of the short and longer-term physiological health effects of whole-blood and/or blood product donation.
Comparison
Outcome
From the included studies, there were 568 reports of beliefs and/or experiences. Perceptions were defined as both experiences and beliefs. Most studies (89.5%) had donation-related health perceptions as a background rather than a central (10.5%) focus, and they were only assessed in relation to whole blood donation. More results focused on health-related beliefs than experiences (82 vs. 18%), specific rather than general beliefs and experiences (80 vs. 20%) and more frequently examined negative than positive beliefs and experiences (83 vs. 17%). The most commonly studied and reported specific negative beliefs related to increased risk of infectious disease, reduced vitality, vasovagal reactions and low iron. Most studies examining specific negative beliefs were conducted in Asian countries.
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Men who have sex with men and risk for transfusion-transmissible infections in blood donors in Western countries: A systematic review update
Schroyens, N., Borra, V., Compernolle, V., Vandekerckhove, P., De Buck, E.
Vox sanguinis. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This systematic review update summarizes evidence concerning transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in male blood donors reporting sex with another man (MSM) or after easing the MSM deferral period. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched five databases, including studies comparing MSM versus non-MSM donors (Type I), MSM deferral periods (Type II) or infected versus non-infected donors (Type III) in Western countries, and used GRADE to determine evidence certainty. RESULTS Twenty-five observational studies were included. Four Type I studies suggest that there may be an increased risk for overall TTIs, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis in MSM donors, but the evidence is very uncertain. There was insufficient evidence of MSM with low-risk sexual behaviour. A Type II study indicates that easing the MSM deferral period to 1 year may have little to no effect on TTI risk. TTI prevalence in blood donors under 5-year, 1-year, 3-month or risk-based deferral in eight other Type II studies was too low to provide clear conclusions on the effect of easing the deferral. Three Type III studies reported that MSM may be a risk factor for HIV. Increased risk of HBV, hepatitis C virus and HTLV-I/II could not be shown. The evidence from Type III studies is very uncertain. CONCLUSION There may be an increased risk of HIV in MSM blood donors. Shortening the deferral from permanent to 1 year may have little to no effect on TTI risk. However, there is limited, unclear evidence from observational studies concerning the impact of introducing 3-month or risk-based deferrals.
PICO Summary
Population
Blood donors or people eligible to give blood, living in Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and USA (25 observational studies).
Intervention
Systematic review summarizing published studies on the relation between men who have had sex with another man (MSM) or an MSM deferral policy and the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI) markers in donated blood.
Comparison
Outcome
The three types of included studies compared: MSM vs. non-MSM donors (Type I); MSM deferral periods (Type II); and infected vs. non-infected donors (Type III). Four Type I studies suggested that there may be an increased risk for overall TTIs, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis in MSM donors, but the evidence was very uncertain. There was insufficient evidence of MSM with low-risk sexual behaviour. A Type II study indicated that easing the MSM deferral period to 1 year may have little to no effect on TTI risk. TTI prevalence in blood donors under 5-year, 1-year, 3-month or risk-based deferral in eight other Type II studies was too low to provide clear conclusions on the effect of easing the deferral. Three Type III studies reported that MSM may be a risk factor for HIV. Increased risk of HBV, hepatitis C virus and HTLV-I/II could not be shown. The evidence from Type III studies was very uncertain.
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Blood Donation Patterns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Kumar, A., Kumari, S., Saroj, U., Verma, A., Kiran, K. A., Prasad, M. K., Sinha, R., Sinha, M. B. K.
Cureus. 2023;15(8):e43384
Abstract
Blood centers, which are arguably the backbone of every hospital, depend on blood donors for a constant and regular supply of blood. Like many other fields, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected blood donations. In this article, we aim to systematically search the studies done on blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic period, analyze the pandemic's effect on blood donation, and examine the methodology used to overcome the problem. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donation. Two independent reviewers searched different databases, such as PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for overall study characteristics. We included a total of 15 studies. There was an overall decrease in blood donation of 25%, with some regions showing a decrease of as much as 71%. However, some regions were able to experience a 2-10% increase in blood donation after taking stringent and early measures to prevent such decreases. The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown greatly affected blood transfusion services, resulting in a progressive decline in blood donations that threatened the lives of many patients who were fully dependent on blood transfusion. However, by making appropriate and early decisions and taking action, policymakers and the rest of society can prevent such shortages, potentially saving millions of lives.
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The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donation and supply in China
Yu, S. C., Yao, Y. T.
Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England). 2023
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sharp decline in blood donation which posed a serious threat to the clinical blood supply worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donation and supply in China on a nationwide level. METHODS A comprehensive review of the published literature was performed using eight databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP by searching relevant words combinations. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were determined to be eligible and included. Among them, 21 studies reported the situation of blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The donation of both whole blood and platelet concentrates declined (with a decline of 5%-86% for whole blood and 3%-34% for platelet concentrates), with this especially evident in February 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the pattern of blood donation and the composition of blood donors accordingly. Fifteen articles reported the supply of various blood components during the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply and usage of both packed red blood cell (PRBC) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) decreased (with a decrease of 4%-40% for PRBC and 9%-58% for FFP). The proportion of blood transfusions in different departments changed too. Compared to 2019, there was a decrease in surgical blood transfusions, and an increase in that used in treatments performed in emergency and internal medicine departments. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an overall reduction of blood transfusion activities in most cities in China, in particular blood donations and blood demands.
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Mobile applications for encouraging blood donation: A systematic review and case study
Li, L., Valero, M., Keyser, R., Ukuku, A. M., Zheng, D.
Digital health. 2023;9:20552076231203603
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given the current shortage of blood donors in the USA, researchers have tried to identify different strategies to attract more young people and spread the voice of donors' needs. METHODS A systematic literature review is conducted to investigate the current mobile applications used to track, attract, and retain donors. We also provide some preliminary results of a pilot study, based on a cross-sectional survey of 952 participants (aged 18 to 39), about the willingness of donors to use mobile apps as tools for encouraging blood donation. The data is collected using a 20-item questionnaire, which includes four constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess the respondents' willingness to donate blood. A range of statistical techniques, including univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and structural equation modeling, were utilized to analyze the collected data. RESULTS The 37 research articles, selected after applying several exclusion criteria, are classified into five main categories. The majority of the research (44.1%) is about using mobile apps to find blood donors and blood centers, followed by publications on using mobile apps to encourage blood donation (26.4%) and to recruit blood donors (14.7%). The remaining studies are about retaining blood donors (8.8%) and using mobile apps for scheduling donations (5.8%). Our pilot case study suggests that 73% of participants have favorable perceptions toward a blood donation mobile app. CONCLUSIONS Many efforts have been undertaken to employ mobile apps to make blood donations more convenient and create communities around donating blood. The case study findings suggest a high level of readiness of using mobile apps for blood donation among the younger generation.
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The effect of motivational strategy on voluntary plasma donation, a field trial
Hajinasrollah G, Maghsudlu M, Nazemi AM, Teimourpour A, Tabatabai M, Sedaghat A, Beigi BH, Sohrabi MR
Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis. 2022;:103518
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Full text
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma protein therapies (PPTs) are a group of medicines extracted from human plasma through fractionation. The manufacture of adequate amounts of PPTs requires a large volume of human plasma. WHO emphasized that whole blood and blood component donations should be voluntary and non-remunerated. So, motivating people to donate plasma is crucial. In this study, we evaluated the impact of social media on motivating blood donors to donate plasma without any compensation and the moderating effects of blood donation history on plasma donation. METHODS AND MATERIALS we allocated blood donors (n = 501) to intervention and control groups randomly. Participants in the intervention group got educational and motivational messages through a WhatsApp channel. Then, we followed up all participants for six months and registered the information of the plasma donation during this period. RESULT In the intervention group, 6.8% had returned to donate plasma, while this was 2% in the control group (p = 0.016, OR:3.59, 95%CI:1.3-9.89). Among regular blood donors in the intervention group, 17.86% had returned to donate plasma but, no regular donor returned to donate plasma in the control group (p = 0.055). In addition, 10.8% of donors who had academic education in the intervention group returned to donate plasma, although this was 2.54% in the control group (P = 0.0485). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the educational interventions have more effects on academically educated donors to motivate them to donate plasma.
PICO Summary
Population
Blood donors (n= 501).
Intervention
Educational and motivational messages (e.g., texts, pictures, videos) sent via social media (n= 250).
Comparison
No social media (n= 251).
Outcome
In the intervention group, 6.8% had returned to donate plasma, vs. 2% in the control group (Odds Ratio: 3.59, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.3-9.89). Among regular blood donors in the intervention group, 17.86% had returned to donate plasma but, no regular donor returned to donate plasma in the control group. More donors who had academic education in the intervention group returned to donate plasma, compared to the control group (10.8% vs. 2.54%).