The association between interval from acceptance to first-time donation, missed first appointment and future donation behaviour.

Abstract

We examined the association of the interval between the date an individual is accepted for blood donation and the date of first donation (IFD-interval, index-to-first-time donation interval) and missed first appointment with future donation behaviour among new donors. These two variables have not been analysed in previous studies of donation behaviour among new donors. Categories were generated for age (18-29 vs 30-65 years), missed-appointment status (no-show vs same-day cancellation) and the IFD-interval [short (≤median time) vs long (>median time)]. Accepted donors (n = 807) were followed for 19 months. Outcome measures were first-appointment attendance rates, return rates among first-time donors and the proportion of experienced donors, defined as those who gave ≥5 donations. In logistic regression analyses, high no-show rates were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of first-time donation. Long IFD-intervals were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of returning for a second donation among first-time donors. Experienced donors, compared to novice donors, were more likely to be male than female, older than younger and with shorter vs longer IFD-intervals. No-show and long IFD-intervals may be behavioural markers of low levels of motivation for making the first donation and for returning for a second donation, respectively.