Blood Donation Experience Research Articles

Our experience of intraoperative autologous blood donation in patients undergoing elective valve surgery

Background Allogenic blood transfusions are associated with risks, costs, intermittent shortages, and questionable efficacy. Multiple alternatives have been advocated, and intraoperative autologous blood donation (IAD) or acute normovolemic hemodilution is one of these options.

Increasing Plan for Blood Donor Recruitment and Retention in High School Students; Analyses from Recent Inquiry Surveys

Introduction: Blood donor recruitment and retention in the younger generation is an important concern in several countries with an aging population. In Japan, which is going to have an aging population, the number of blood donors has decreased by 15% over the past decade. As such, drastic measures must be taken to maintain the necessary blood stocks. The promotion of blood donation in high schools has been attempted in many countries. This strategy is particularly attractive because successful recruitment of young donors will ensure long term supplies of blood are maintained. To enhance the effectiveness of this approach it is important to communicate the need for blood donation by high school students and conduct appropriate surveys. Although there have been several reports on the promotion of blood donation by young people, these have not generally analyzed their psychology, personal environment and the views of large numbers of high school students.Materials and Methods: The study was accepted with each high school staff meeting and IRB in our university (#25-159). Inquiry anonymous surveys were designed for high school students, who answered by their own volition. The survey included 50 questions as follows; gender; age; build; previous blood donation by the individual as well as family members and friends; lifestyle; diet; views concerning blood demand in society; location of blood donation centers; knowledge of blood donation methods; blood recovery after donation; reasons for declining to give blood; ideas for an effective campaign to recruit blood donors; previous education on blood donation in their school etc. Individual views concerning an effective campaign to recruit new donors, events, characters and media were given in a free style. This work was supported by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (H25-medicine-general-022).Results:We obtained answers from 94% of students surveyed (16,333). The first and second studies were done in 2013 and 2014, and included 8,456 and 7,877 students, respectively. In the first study, the male/female ratio was 0.88. 1% and 26% of student body weights were <40kg and <50kg, respectively. 8% of students had at least one experience of blood donation. 3% of the students could not donate blood due to medical reasons (e.g., anemia). 62% of the students often experienced feelings of fatigue in their daily life. 5% of the students suffered sleeplessness. 31% of the students believed in the existence of synthetic blood. 54% of the students did not know the location for blood donation. Only 18% of the students understood the process of blood donation in outline. Moreover, only 29% of students knew the age limit for blood donors. 32% of the students were aware of the decrease in blood donation and the future inadequacy of blood supplies. 66% of the students had previous volunteer experience. 48% of the students misunderstood the risk of contracting a viral infection by blood donation. 26% of the students feared pain caused by needles. 51% of students requested more information from schools and other institutions. Suggested ways to promote blood donation included television (21%), school classrooms (19%), Twitter or Facebook (11%), mobile blood donation units (11%), software applications on cellular phones (8%) and newspaper advertisements (6%). A considerable number of respondents suggested an effective way to recruit more volunteers was to carry out this kind of survey amongst students.Conclusions: Our survey provided a lot of information concerning blood donation from high school students, which will be applicable to a number of countries. The study clarified that many students lack sufficient information about blood donation and transfusion. Moreover, a considerable number of students suffer a lot of stress and fatigue in their daily life. Substantial time and effort must be devoted to educating the student population on the need for blood transfusion, as well as the safety and risk factors associated with blood donation. Moreover, their psychology, daily life and views concerning transfusion medicine must be better understood. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Genetic variants in antigen presentation-related genes influence susceptibility to hepatitis C virus and viral clearance: a case control study.

BackgroundGenes related to antigen presentation pathway, which are in the non-classical class-II region of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), play a vital role during the infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV).MethodsThe current study determined the genotypes of 34 tagging-SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) from 9 candidate genes (HLA-DMA, HLA-DMB, HLA-DOA, HLA-DOB, TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, LMP7, and tapasin) in a Chinese population of paid blood donors with high risk of HCV infection. The distributions of those SNPs were compared among the 1207 former paid blood donors with different HCV infection outcomes.ResultsHLA-DMA rs1063478 and HLA-DOA rs2284191 were independent factors of acquiring HCV infection. Carrying three favorable alleles of rs1063478-T and rs2284191-G offered the highest protective effect (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence intervals = 0.27-0.78). HLA-DOB rs7383287 and LMP2 rs17587 were independent factors of infection chronicity. Subjects carrying two favorable alleles of rs7383287-G and rs17587-A had a decreased risk of HCV chronicity (odds ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence intervals = 0.26-0.66). The interaction analysis showed that experience of plasma donation interacted with the combined effects of rs1063478 and rs2284191 for HCV susceptibility, and the experience of whole blood donation interacted with the association of rs7383287 with HCV clearance.ConclusionsOur results suggested that genetic variants in antigen presentation pathway had influence on susceptibility to HCV infection and viral clearance. HLA-DMA rs1063478, HLA-DOA rs2284191, and HLA-DOB rs7383287 were identified as novel loci in Chinese population that were involved in HCV infection.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0716-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Labeling of previous donation to encourage subsequent donation among experienced blood donors.

This study aims to examine the effects of persuasive messages focused on the labeling of previous blood donation behavior on subsequent donation among experienced blood donors. Participants (N = 410) received blood drive invitations by mail that were categorized with the labeling of the previous donation. They were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: functional labeling (which underlines the utility of their donation), social labeling (which underlines their own social value), and no label of previous donation (control condition). Dependent Variable: Number of participants who made a new blood donation. Donors are more likely to make a new blood donation when they have received a message labeling their previous donation (26.7%), whether it be social or functional, compared with a nonlabeled message (17.5%). Moreover, labeling condition interacted with age parameter indicating that the older the donor, the more sensitive the donor to the labeling technique. Labeling condition also interacted with gender, revealing that women were almost three times more likely to come back to give their blood in labeling conditions compared with the no-label condition. Our findings highlight the interest in using strategies based on the recall of previous donation, that is a labeling technique, to help blood centers to stimulate repeat donation. Labeling the previous donation increases the likelihood of a new donation among experienced donors, especially among older people and women, the latter being a part of the most reluctant profiles to repeat blood donation.

Acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored Internet-delivered intervention to promote blood donation in Blacks.

A pilot test of a computer-tailored intervention designed to promote blood donation among Blacks was conducted. Intervention content, based on the transtheoretical model, offered participants individually and culturally tailored information on blood donation with emphasis on need specific to race (e.g., sickle-cell disease). Black adults (N = 150) with a diversity of blood donation experience were recruited from a blood center and a survey recruitment website. Posttest assessment included a 14-item evaluation and transtheoretical model questions. Participants rated the program positively (81.3% to 98.7% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with evaluation items). For example, 98.7% of respondents reported that the program gave sound advice and that personal feedback was easily understood, and 87.3% felt the program was designed for people like themselves. Ninety-five percent of participants reported that they would recommend the program to others. There were no significant differences in ratings based on demographics. Qualitative responses support program acceptability. Furthermore, pre- and postprogram assessments indicated an increase in intention to donate, t(149) = 3.56, p = .001, d = .29. With acceptability and feasibility confirmed, the next steps are to test efficacy and cost-effectiveness for use to increase blood donation, particularly in priority populations.

Incidence of Vasovagal Reaction among the Blood Donors Attending at Transfusion Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital

Introduction: Without blood there may be no blood transfusion. Without donors there may not any blood. During vasovagal reaction there is chance of accidental fall and injury to blood donor. So improving the safety of the blood donation experience will reduce the donor injuries and increase the blood donation, donation frequency and donor satisfaction. Objective: This study was done to find out the incidence of blood donor reaction- vasovagal reactions among the blood donors attending at transfusion medicine department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and to improve the donor’s safety. Methodology: This study was done at Transfusion Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the period between January 2010 to December 2010. Total 21815 donors of 18 to 55 years of both sexes were selected after reviewing the questionnaire, physical and medical examination and written consent. Donors were observed for 30 minutes after donation. The needle site was covered with a bandage and the donor was directed to keep the bandage on for several hours. Result: In this study, out of 21815 donors 163(8.7%) developed reaction. In163 reactions, 72(44.18%) were in male and 91 (55.82%) were in female donors. Within 20179 male donors, adverse reactions occurred in 72 (0.35%) and within 1636 female donors, adverse reactions occurred in 91 (5.56%) The symptoms were agitation 23 (14.12%), pallor 31 (19.02%), sweating 29 (17.79%), nausea 21 (12.88%), vomiting 38 (23.21%), cold feeling 12(7.36%), loss of consciousness 9(5.52%),i.e. severe reactions were 9(5.53%) and mild to moderate reactions were154 (94.47%). Among the reactions 127 (0.89%) occurred in new donors, 32 (0.49%) occurred in occasional donors and 4 (0.37%) in periodic donors. Conclusion: Vasovagal reactions are more common in female and new donors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v22i2.13589 Bangladesh J Medicine 2011; 22: 47-50

The Intention to Donate Blood: An Analysis of Socio-Demographic Determinants

The current trends of blood supply shortage have raised the concern about the ability to meet the blood product demand in the future. At the time of high demand for blood products especially during festive seasons, Malaysia is unable to encounter the demand. As a result, the quality of human life is affected. This has created the prerequisite to understand the scenario and recognizing the factors that may influence people’s intention to donate blood. The purpose of this survey-based study is to investigate the implication of socio-demographic factors in measuring the intention of the public to involve in a blood donation program specifically in Perlis population, Malaysia. The findings indicated that, among the socio-demographic factors, gender is predicted to have the greatest association with intention to donate blood than others. Besides, individuals who have blood donation experience in life were more desired to do again their behavior in the future than those who are not. The new discoveries generated are believed to be valuable for future research as well as in designing future blood donation program in order to encourage the participation of the public.

Factors Influencing the Intention to Donate Blood: The Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

A question about current availability of the blood has lifted up the concerns on how to keep the world population survive in the future. This has created the necessity to realize the underlying causes rely behind the scenario. The purpose of this study is to investigate the significant application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in determining an individual intention and the actual behavior to involve in blood donation specifically in Perlis, Malaysia population. The questionnaire is adapted from prior researches on the application of the TPB. The findings indicated that, the TPB is relevant to the prediction of the intention to donate blood. Besides, among the three factors, Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) is proved to be the best predictor. As well, the presents of blood donation experience also is said to have influence on an individual’s intention since those who ever donated their blood in the past have more intention to donate blood in future than those who are not. The findings from this study are very critical since they can help the authority to improve the current blood donation program and formulate a new strategy to call for more blood donors in the future.

Knowledge, attitude and beliefs of people in North India regarding blood donation.

To develop targeted interventions in the field of donor recruitment, an understanding of existing knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding blood donation is required. Recruiters should be aware of variability in different demographic strata when implementing interventions. A self-administered questionnaire along with a face-to-face interview was conducted in 400 each of voluntary donors, replacement donors and non-donors to assess their knowledge, attitude and beliefs regarding blood donation and their motivations for giving blood. Data were analysed using ANOVA and the c2 test. The most common reason given by non-donors (40.75%) for not donating blood was "no one asked them to give blood". Voluntary donors had a more pleasant blood donation experience compared to replacement donors and, therefore, more of them were willing to donate again (89.5%). The knowledge scores of non-donors were lower than those of donors and, among the latter, voluntary donors had better scores compared to replacement donors. Expectedly, the frequency of false beliefs was highest among non-donors (22.75%), with the most prevalent misbelief being that blood donation is associated with infertility. Television was found to be the most effective medium of communication for raising awareness about blood donation. It is recommended that extensive blood donation campaigning should be initiated, targeting the campaigns to eliminate specific misbeliefs and reinforce motivational perceptions. Blood centres should implement strategies to improve donor retention and should aim to provide a pleasant donation experience, regardless of the donor type. The idea of voluntary blood donation needs to be intensively promoted.

간호대학생과 일반대학생의 뇌사자 장기기증에 대한 지식, 태도 및 실천 의도

This study investigated knowledge, attitude, and will for brain death organ donation (BDOD) of college students, and identified influencing factors on knowledge, attitude and will using structured questionnaire. The subjects of the research were 108 nursing students and 78 non-nursing students at N university. The data was analyzed with static analysis, t-test, χ2-test, ANOVA, pearson correlation coefficient,and Logistic regression. The mean score of knowledge toward BDOD of nursing students was 11.05 and non-nursing students scored 8.10 on average. The mean score of attitude toward BDOD of the nursing students was 3.39 and that of the non-nursing students was 3.28. There was a significant difference in knowledge according to sex, religion in nursing students. There was a significant difference in attitude according to the experience of blood donation in nursing students, and perceived health status in non-nursing students. For nursing students, there was a significant difference in the will for organ donation between students who have considered about organ donation and those who have not. There was a significant relation between the attitude and the knowledge of BDOD. However, in non-nursing students, attitude toward BDOD was not correlated with knowledge. Nursing students as future health professionals were aware of the roles and responsibilities of nurses to augment organ donation. Although nursing students scored higher in knowledge and attitude about BDOD than non-nursing students,more specifically structured education programs are needed. To promote BDOD, relevant policies and effective campaigns need to be developed.

How afraid are you of having blood drawn from your arm? A simple fear question predicts vasovagal reactions without causing them among high school donors

We previously demonstrated in a group of mostly experienced blood donors that fear of blood draws was a significant predictor of vasovagal reactions. Importantly, being asked about one's fear immediately before donation did not increase reaction rates. This study further evaluates the relationship between fear and reactions among high school blood donors, who are known to be at a relatively greater risk for vasovagal reactions. Immediately after completing the blood donor health screening, 17- and 18-year-old high school students were asked about their fear of having blood drawn. Based on a random selection, the fear question was administered in approximately half of the schools, resulting in a final sample of 1715 donors who did and 1692 donors who did not answer the fear question. Fear was a significant predictor of donor reactions and remained a significant independent predictor (along with estimated blood volume and donor sex) in a logistic regression analysis. There was no difference in the proportion of reactions observed between those who did and did not answer the predonation fear question. Consistent with previous evidence in older and more experienced blood donors, these findings indicate that assessing fear of blood draws may help to identify those who are most likely to experience vasovagal reactions among young donors without increasing the frequency of such reactions.

Heart rate variability and cardiovascular dynamics during autologous blood donation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blood volume reduction (300 – 400 mL) on circulation and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), by using autologous blood donation as a model of blood volume change. In 33 adult subjects (56.3 ± 15.9yrs) with no circulatory, respiratory, or neurologic disease, we measured Blood Pressure (BP) and electrocardiographic parameters during autologous blood donation. We divided the subjects into 3 groups according to age (10–30 yrs, 40–50 yrs, and 60–80 yrs) and into 2 groups according to blood donation experience. In all age groups, the Low‐Frequency power/High‐Frequency power ratio (LF/HF) increased, and the HF power decreased during autologous blood donation. Additionally, during autologous blood donation, the 60–80 yrs age group exhibited the highest variation in HRV. In non‐experienced group, LF/HF decreased after autologous blood donation. Further, 1 subject developed Vaso‐Vagal Reaction (VVR). LF/HF was markedly higher in this subject than in the other subjects before autologous blood donation. After autologous blood donation, the decrease in LF/HF in the subject with VVR was similar that of subjects in the non‐experienced group. In the subject with VVR, BP decreased significantly, and the Heart Rate (HR) did not increase after autologous blood donation. In contrast, in the other subjects, BP decreased mildly and HR increased after autologous blood donation.

Blood donation: survey results.

A survey of 1735 blood centers (131) and hospitals (1604) in the US showed that blood collection rate per thousand US population of donor age between 18 and 65 years decreased from 85.6 (total number of collections, 13.890) in 2004 compared to 88.0 (total number of collections, 14.259) in 2001 (2.7 % decrease). As blood utilization increases with the advent of more complex therapeutic interventions, blood collection centers are finding it difficult to maintain an adequate blood inventory because the availability of blood for transfusion is dependent on volunteer donors [1]. In the US approximately 40% of the adult population is eligible to donate blood, but just 5% about 5% do so [2]. moreover, only 3.5% of the age-eligible population donates blood in Australia. Donation anxiety due to a previous blood donation experience might be a major predictor of a donor’s future intention not to donate blood. Providing easy access to donation sites, overcoming time demands (such as scheduling appoinments for donation hours) and feeling confident for the procedure, more flexible donation hours, and increasing the number of sites where donation take place have positively influenced blood donation intentions [3]. The present study aimed to determine blood donors’ perceptions of the blood donation experience, behavioural and affective attitudes toward donation, and demographic characteristics that may influence their intention to donate blood in the future.

Veins of Devotion: Blood Donation and Religious Experience in North India by Jacob Copeman.

Veins of Devotion: Blood Donation and Religious Experience in North India by Jacob Copeman.

DNR에 대한 대학생들의 인식 및 태도(간호대학생과 비 보건계열대학생 비교를 중심으로)

The object of this descriptive survey research was to provide basic information source for building objective standards of DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) that can be clinically applied, by analyzing college students` awareness and attitude toward DNR. The participants of the study were 1,267 students from one college of Daegu, South Korea. The structured survey questionnaire was used for data collection, and the survey was conducted from 1-31 July, 2010. The error and percentage was estimated by SPSS 17.0 program, and analyzed with -test. As a result of comparing the nursing students` and non-health care major students` awareness and attitude toward DNR, the significant differences were found in the necessity of DNR, reason for supporting DNR, reason for opposing DNR, and DNR decision-maker, among the awareness dimension; among the attitude dimension, significant differences were found in implication of family DNR and self-DNR. Comparing the nursing students` and non-health care major students` awareness toward DNR related information provision, researchers have found significant differences in the necessity of giving information on DNR, timing of the DNR information provision, result of the DNR-related information provision, and guidelines for the DNR information provision. In terms of the difference in DNR`s necessity recognition by the demographic information, the significant differences existed based on the religion and the history of blood donation; in terms of the differences in attitude toward DNR decision-maker, the differences were found on the religion and the number of siblings. For the attitude toward family member`s DNR, the significant differences existed for the sex, age, economic status, religion, the number of siblings, the history of familial illness and death, and experience of blood donation; the attitude toward the DNR for the self was significantly differed by the sex, economic status, the number of siblings, and the history of familial illness and death. To establish the standards for DNR based on the study, we suggest more well-designed future studies.

Keys to Open the Door for Blood Donors to Return

Because of demographic changes, the worldwide shortage of blood will likely be aggravated in the foreseeable future. Hence, the retention of already active blood donors (BDs) is becoming more and more important. Moreover, a substantial increase in blood donations could be achieved by a relatively small increase in BD return. Blood donation services are therefore well advised to understand their BDs' motivations to become regular and committed BDs and to consider this in planning BD retention programs. Focusing on the published literature of the last decade, we summaries some key recommendations in considering BD retention strategies. Whereas starting a career as a BD is mainly driven by external stimuli, becoming a committed BD needs a well-developed identity role; that is, a BD with a high level of intrinsic motivation. Active communications with the BD right from the beginning, introducing distinct measures to support the development of a BD's distinct identity, increasing convenience of the blood donation process, having well-trained and motivated staff, applying distinct measures to reduce anxiety as well as adverse events, making BDs satisfied with their blood donation experience, appropriate use of incentives, quickly recapturing temporarily deferred BDs, and appealing to BDs' personal motivations and moral norms--all of these are major keys to achieving this important aim.

Challenge of donor recruitment

Challenge of donor recruitment

Motivators and barriers to blood donation in African American college students

Background An adequate blood supply depends on volunteer non-remunerated blood donors. African Americans have lower blood donation rates than whites. To improve African American blood donation rates, the motivators and barriers to African Americans must be explored. This study investigated the differences in motivators and barriers to blood donation between donor and non-donor African American college students. Methods African Americans college students at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities completed a 41-item, self-administered questionnaire, which assessed participant’s donation frequency, motivators and barriers toward donation, and knowledge and beliefs towards blood donation. Results Three hundred and sixty four primarily female college students (96% African Americans, 93% female) completed the questionnaire. Forty-nine percent reported prior blood donation experience (donors) and 51% were non-donors. The primary motivator for donors and non-donors was convenience (89% donor, 82% non-donor). Donors were more likely than non-donors to disagree with statements regarding blood donation as being too painful (82% donor, 44% non-donor), resulting in feeling faint, dizzy, or nauseated (61% donor, 29% non-donor). Donors more often agreed that the blood supply is safe (77% donor, 58% non-donor), less often concerned about receiving a transfusion (61% donor, 73% non-donor), and more often aware of local blood shortages (50% donor, 35% non-donor). Conclusions African Americans female college students are willing to donate blood given convenience and support from their university. Educational campaigns to increase knowledge regarding the safety of the blood donation process and the ongoing needs of an adequate blood supply might be effective methods to increase blood donation.

Faint and pre‐faint reactions in whole blood donors: predictive value of pre‐donation measurements

Background A small proportion of blood donors have adverse reactions. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of faint and significant hypotensive reactions that could serve as targets for interventions to reduce reactions, thus improving the blood donation experience for those at higher risk of reactions and reducing the risk of serious adverse events.Methods The records of 422,231 allogeneic whole blood donations from a 9‐month period were assessed for adverse reactions. Incidents related to needle insertion, such as hematoma were excluded. Demographic, biometric, and clinical measurements were collected. Reactions were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing donors with any adverse reaction to donors without reactions and by stratified rates according to reaction severity.Results The overall reaction prevalence was 1·43%. Of the reactions, 63%, 29% and 8% were classified as mild, moderate and severe, respectively. Markers of reactions were: age, gender, race, blood volume, blood pressure, pulse and body mass index. Compared to donors without reactions, the strongest predictor of a reaction was a donor's blood volume &lt;3500 ml (OR 2·9, 95% CI 2·57–3·23). Age and first time status were also associated with a significantly higher risk of reaction with 17–18 years olds (OR 2·8, 95% CI 2·59–2·98) and 19–24 year olds (OR 2·39, 95% CI 2·23–2·56) at higher risk compared to 25–65 year olds, and first time donors at higher risk compared to repeat donors (OR 2·2, 95% CI 2·07–2·33). Using a lower weight limit of 50 kg does not prevent donors from giving more than 15% of their blood volume.Conclusion The results of this study are helpful in identifying donors at risk for adverse reactions and in understanding the contributors to reactions. Donor blood volume was a strong predictor of reaction. Selecting donors using blood volume, not weight, should reduce the frequency of reactions.

Why would young people donate blood? A survey-based questionnaire study

Different issues associated with blood donation among young donors were studied, towards building a large and consistent blood donor base. Data were collected from 221/285 donors in drives conducted among military personnel (response rate of 78%), through a self-administered questionnaire tailored to review knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and habits regarding blood and general donations. Data were then further analysed using a multivariate model. The most significant factors related to blood donation were the donors' perception of approval from a superior (the commander's request to donate blood) and the participant's military rank or position (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0019, respectively). Experienced blood donors comprised 71.9 % of all donors and more donations were noted among men (P = 0.0013). The important role of a significant superior, and his or her personal involvement in the blood drive organization was elucidated. Various other factors, previously found to be related to readiness or reluctance to donate blood, were insignificant among the studied population. Our finding may assist blood centres in optimizing their efforts in recruiting and retention of young donors.