Voluntary Non-remunerated Blood Donors Research Articles

Understanding Blood Donation Practices in Gilgit, Pakistan An Anthropological Perspective

Blood is widely recognized as an essential bodily fluid crucial for sustaining life, and blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives. Ensuring access to a safe and sufficient supply of blood and its derivatives and reliable blood transfusion services is indispensable for a strong healthcare system. It is important to note that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the most reliable source of safe blood supply. In Pakistan, 70% of donated blood comes from replacement or paid donations, while only 10% comes from voluntary donations. In Gilgit, voluntary blood donation is scarce, and most blood comes from replacements. The respondents display limited understanding of blood transfusion, while they exhibit a positive attitude toward voluntary blood donation despite low participation. This discrepancy is attributed to inadequate awareness and campaigns, as well as prevalent myths and negative perceptions associated with blood and blood donation. Furthermore, sectarian-based segregation, the symbolic relationships between the donor and recipient and the exclusion of female blood donors exacerbate the gap between blood supply and demand. The research emphasises culturally suited solutions and strategies that can help enhance voluntary blood donation in Gilgit.

Evaluating the effectiveness of three communication modes in promoting repeat voluntary donation behavior in first-time blood donors at a tertiary care blood center in North India

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Due to rapid technological advancements, several new methods such as telephone (TP), e-mail, social media, WhatsApp (WA), and Short Message Services are being used as effectively among blood centers worldwide for postdonation communication with blood donors’ education and motivation to recruit and retain them as repeat and regular voluntary nonremunerated blood donors. The present study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of WA, TP, and personal communications (PCs) as modes of communication to recruit and retain first-time replacement blood donors to become repeat and regular voluntary blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 1-year observational prospective study was conducted in the Post Graduate Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion in Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu. Three hundred first-time blood donors selected for the study were divided into three groups comprising 100 blood donors each as per the mode of communication strategy adopted, namely postdonation PC, TP, and WA groups. RESULTS: The repeat donation rate was highest in the TP group (61%), followed by the WA group (47%) and PC group (37%). The mean repeat donation was found to be significant in the TP group (P = 0.007) and WA group (P = 0.021) as compared PC group while there was no significant difference between the TP group and WA groups (0.751). CONCLUSION: In our study, it was found that of the three communication modes, namely personal, TP, and WA, telephonic communication with a repeat donation rate of 61% was the most effective mode of communication in for motivating and converting first-time blood donors into repeat regular voluntary blood donors.

Seroprevalence and Trends in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donors in a Teaching Hospital: Nine-year Retrospective Study

Seroprevalence and Trends in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donors in a Teaching Hospital: Nine-year Retrospective Study

Factor Analysis of Motivational and Deterrent Factors among Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donors in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish which motivational, deterrent and socio-demographic factors that would engender long-term commitment to voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional sample survey of blood donors who participated in the 2021 world blood donor day in Ibadan, Nigeria, was conducted. Donors filled in a self-administered questionnaire during donation. Data on motivation and deterrent were analyzed using factor analysis. Results: The majority of the blood donors were aged 21-40 years and they had donated 0-53 times in the past. Three-quarters had donated at least 10 times previously. Two dimensions of blood-donor motivation were identified with factor analysis. These were: self-esteem and social reasons (such as the influence of friends and family). The most important deterrent factors for blood donation were ‘hate sight of blood” and time taken to donate. Conclusion: The motivation factors for being a VNRD are related to self-esteem and social factors. We recommend that these factors should be the backbone of campaigns and awareness programme in effort to increase and retain VNRD pool our environment.

Seroprevalence of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections among Family Replacement Donors and Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa.

Introduction : According to WHO, regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors are the safest group of donors, as they have the lowest prevalence of blood transmitted infections. However, family/replacement blood donors is widely used in sub Saharan Africa and this practice was exacerbated during the COVID 19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the seroprevalence of infectious markers in family replacement blood donors and voluntary non-remunerated blood donors during the COVID 19 pandemic in a country of sub Saharan Africa. 
 Materials and Methods
 Blood donors received at the National Centre of Blood Transfusion (NBTC) of Dakar from August 1st to October 31th 2021, were included in this study. All donors completed a pre-donation questionnaire. Donors identity, epidemiological parameters, reasons for donation and laboratory results were collected in the Inlog® software of the NBTC. The serological tests for HBV, HIV and HCV were performed with chemiluminescence technology. The Rapid Plasma Reagent test was used to find out treponemal antibodies. The determination of ABO and Rh blood groups was performed using monoclonal antisera following classical hemagglutination test on a plate.
 Results
 A total of 5002 donors were collected during this COVID-19 pandemic period. Blood family/replacement donors represented 54.0% and new voluntary donors represented 52.6%. Comparison of HIV, HCV and syphilis markers seroprevalence showed no statistically significant difference between new voluntary donors and new family replacement donors (p>0.05). However, for HBV the seroprevalence was significantly higher in new family replacement donors (p=0,002).
 Conclusion 
 The proper supply of blood was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic meanwhile replacement donations had contributed to limiting the damage observed with blood shortages. However, the significant differences noted on the seroprevalences of transfusion-transmissible infections between voluntary non-paid donors and family/replacement donors strengthens WHO recommendations for the selection of volunteer non-paid donors to lower transfusion-transmissible HBV in sub Saharan Africa.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Degree of blood safety of voluntary non-remunerated versus replacement blood donations: A multi-centre study of the large cohort of blood donors from two provinces of Pakistan.

Voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRBDs) are recognized as being crucial for the safety and sustainability of national blood supplies. Systems based on replacement donors (RDs) pose high risks of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Currently, only 10%-13% of blood donations are voluntary in Pakistan. No large-scale studies have been conducted to objectively evaluate the impact of the mode of donation on the frequency of TTIs, a gap this study aimed to fill. The study was conducted at the Indus Hospital, Karachi. Data from a total of 591,820 blood donations were included from 1 October 2017 to 30 May 2021 and evaluated for type of donations and results of TTI testing, primarily performed on Architect i2000SR (Abbott). The TTIs tested include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis and malaria. A total of 477,938 (80.7%) RDs and 113,882 (19.3%) VNRBDs were screened. Among these, 53,590 (9.06%) were positive for TTIs. There were 10.2% positive RDs (10.08-10.25 95% confidence interval [CI]) while 4.4% in VNRBDs (4.29-4.53 95% CI). Co-infections were observed in 2367 (0.4%) RDs, while 159 (0.02%) in VNRBDs. Geographically, the highest frequency of TTIs was observed in semi-urban areas of Sindh (11.2%) and Punjab (9.6%). A site-wise comparison of TTIs in RD versus VNRBD showed significant differences (p-value 0.00). RDs are associated with higher frequencies of TTIs, compared with VNRBD. However, the study was unable to assess whether the significant difference was related to individual risk or repeat/first time status of the donors. Other important variables affecting frequency are the catchment area of the blood donors in Pakistan. Urban areas have less prevalence than semi-urban areas.

Prevalence and incidence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in Malawi: A population-level study.

Voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRBDs) are essential to sustain national blood supplies. Expanding testing capacity for the major transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) is crucial to ensure safe blood products. Understanding trends in TTIs can inform prioritisation of resources. We conducted a retrospective cohort data analysis of routine blood donation data collected from VNRBDs by the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service from January 2015 to October 2021. Variables included age, occupation; and screening results of TTIs (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis). We estimated both prevalence and incidence per person-year for each TTI using longitudinal and spatial logistic regression models. Of the 213 626 donors, 204 920 (95.8%) donors were included in the final analysis. Most donors (77.4%) were males, baseline median age was 19.9 (IQR 18.0, 24.1), 70.9% were students, and over 80.0% were single at first donation. Overall TTI prevalence among donors was 10.7%, with HBV having the highest prevalence (3.4%), followed by syphilis (3.3%), then HIV (2.4%) and HCV (2.4%). Incidence per 1000 person-years for syphilis was 20.1 (19.0, 21.3), HCV was 18.4 (17.3, 19.5), HBV was 13.7 (12.8, 14.7), and HIV was 11.4 (10.6, 12.3). We noted geographical variations with the northern region having lower rates of both prevalence and incidence compared to central and southern regions. The individual TTI prevalence and incidence rates from this study are consistent with Southern African regional estimates. By identifying geographical variations of TTI prevalence and incidence, these findings could potentially inform prioritisation of blood collection efforts to optimise blood collection processes.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C, knowledge and attitude towards voluntary blood donation among secondary school teachers in Calabar, Nigeria

Introduction: Blood for transfusion or biopharmaceutical medication is obtained through blood donation. It is an indispensable component of health that contributes to saving lives since blood/blood products are unique. A major source of safe blood is voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Considering the role of teachers in the education of young people in the populace, this study aims to provide information on knowledge and attitude toward blood donation and the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among secondary school teachers in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: With ethical approval and informed consent obtained, a total of 200 apparently healthy teachers and staff were recruited from five secondary schools in Calabar. Structured questionnaires were pre-tested among twenty (20) staff of the University of Calabar before being administered to the study subjects. Blood was collected and screened for the presence of hepatitis B and C using the standard strip method. Data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-square test on SPSS version 21 and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study subjects comprised males (49.5%) and females (50.5%) with 38% being between the ages of 27-37 years. The majority (67.5%) had attained tertiary education while the remaining 32.5% had secondary education. The prevalence of Hepatitis B and C was observed to be 10% and 4% respectively among the study population and this is comparable to the prevalence in the general population. Ninety-five percent of participants think voluntary blood donation is good with 100% affirming that it is important yet only 10% had actually donated blood; eight percent had received blood transfusion previously. A good number (87% and 65%) were willing to donate for a family member and for a stranger in case of emergency. Eighty-four and a half percent of respondents think that blood donation is beneficial, 78% think there is a lack of awareness while 70% would advise others to donate blood voluntarily. Of the 200 participants, 66% believe blood donation to be a civic duty yet 82% and 85.5% respectively were of the opinion that blood donors should be paid or given gifts; indeed 83% agreed they would donate blood if they are paid. None of the respondents were against blood donation however 13% believed it poses a risk of collapse or death to the donor. Conclusions: This study has shown that the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among secondary school teachers in Calabar is 10% and 4% respectively. Secondary school teachers in the study area have fair knowledge of blood donation, and agree that it is important but are not willing to donate without renumeration. Lack of voluntary non-renumerated blood donation leads to a shortage of safe blood for transfusion and will promote commercial donation with associated risks. There is a need for regular awareness campaigns and blood drives among the populace.

A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey concerning Blood Donation among Libyans

Background and Objectives: Libya's blood transfusion system suffers from chronic blood shortages due to low rates of voluntary, nonremunerated blood donors (VNRBDs). Over 90% of blood donations are for family members or friends of donors, and only 1% of donors are women. This study aimed to understand the barriers and motivations for blood donation in Libya to support sensitization campaigns. Methods: A knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey was conducted with 896 people in seven Libyan cities where blood banks are located. Key informant interviews were conducted with blood donors, staff, and experts across all seven cities. Thematic content analysis was conducted for the qualitative data, and SPSS was used to produce descriptive statistics. Results: There was a strong awareness of blood donation and the uses of donated blood within the surveyed population. Most respondents who had not donated blood had considered donating. The association between blood donation and Hijama, the traditional medical bloodletting practice, was cited as a sensitization experience for some VNRBDs. The common barriers for potential female donors included misconceptions about female eligibility, social norms, and constraints based on the opinions of their husbands. Conclusion: Sensitization campaigns can encourage people to donate for the first time to dispel fears and reinforce the connection between blood donation and altruistic/religious giving. Religious institutions, including mosques and Hijama centers, must be engaged to emphasize that blood donation is ethically compatible with Islam. Campaigns should also highlight that women are eligible to donate blood.

Iron supplementation and blood donation in Nigeria: Effect on Hemoglobin, red cell indices, and iron stores - The ranferon™ study.

Iron-deficiency anemia is an important limiting factor to a sustainable supply of blood units, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Blood transfusion practice in Nigeria is poorly developed and structured with paucity of voluntary nonremunerated blood donors and high rate of donor deferrals resulting from low hemoglobin (Hb) levels. This study aimed to assess the effect of daily supplementation of iron using Ranferon-12 on Hb level, red blood cell (RBC) indices, iron level, ferritin level, and Hb recovery in blood donors in Nigeria. This longitudinal study was conducted at a tertiary hospital blood transfusion center from March to July 2020. Blood samples of regular donors were collected at three points in the study for the measurement of Hb and hematocrit (HCT); RBC indices including mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC); and iron stores including serum iron, serum ferritin, and serum transferrin. The first point was at recruitment before donation of one unit of blood; the second point after the blood donation; and the third point at 6 weeks post blood donation. Following donation, participants were placed on Ranferon capsules (iron fumarate - 100 mg elemental iron) and 100 mg of tablet Vitamin C, for 6 weeks. There was a moderate significant positive correlation between administration of Ranferon and change in the values of HCT, MCV, MCH, red cell distribution width, ferritin, and transferring (P < 0.05). Percentage recovery of Hb, red cell indices, and iron stores parameters after 6 weeks of daily Ranferon ranged between 89% and 100%. Iron supplementation using Ranferon capsule daily for 6 weeks enhances recovery of Hb, red cell indices, and iron stores with attainment of benchmark Hb levels for donation.

Blood Transfusion Practices at Al-Thawra Teaching Hospital, Sana'a-Yemen

Objectives: To evaluate the blood transfusion practices, the quality and quantity and the use rate of blood and blood components among patients at Al-Thawra Teaching Hospital. Methods: This a descriptive study that has been conducted for the purpose of studying the blood transfusions fate and practices for all crossmatched units in the blood bank at Al-Thawra hospital during one month period, from December 2003 – December 2004. Data were collected from blood bank and from different departments in the hospital. Results: 960 units were crossmatched during the period of the study. The study showed that crossmatched units for male patients (56%) were higher than for female (44%). The recipient male/female ratio was 1.27: 1. The mean age of recipients was 31.6 years ± 18.3 SD. The commonest type of blood was blood group O (48%). 87.5% of crossmatched blood was done for stored whole blood in spite of availability of other components. Medical indications represented the highest percentage (40%). 26% of all crossmatched blood units were returned to the bank. The majority of collected blood was by family donation system. It was obvious that there was over-ordering and irrational use of the blood from the high percentage of unused crossmatched blood and the use of stored whole blood. Conclusion: Blood transfusion is necessary for saving the life of the patient who is in need, but blood should be only given when necessary, to minimize its complications and to cut off extra cost for cross matching of unneeded blood. The collection of blood from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors from low- risk populations should be encouraged. Modernization of blood banks with automated separator of the blood components is mandatory.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BLOOD DONATION PRACTICES AMONG STUDENTS AT NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

There is a huge deficit in the proportion of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRD) in Nigeria as most of the donations are from paid donors. Young adults, most especially students from higher institutions, constitute the majority of blood donors worldwide. The aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the factors that are associated with blood donation between the students from the main campus and the college of medicine (COM) campus of a Nigerian University. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among VNRD at the main and COM campuses of a Nigerian University. Pre-donation questionnaires were used to obtain data from the students. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) IBM version 25. All tests were two-sided, and statistical significance was considered to be at a probability value of p&lt;0.05. A total of 203 students showed up for VNRD on the two campuses on two separate days. About 59% were from the COM campus, and the mean age of the donors was 22.2 (2.4) years. There was no significant difference in the mean age, gender distribution, haemoglobin concentration, and eligibility to donate between the two groups of donors. Only two donors tested positive for HCV and HBV and both were from the COM. This study did not find any difference in the factors that influence the pattern of voluntary blood donation between two groups of university students who study medical-related courses and those that are not.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards blood donation among residential students and teachers of religious institutions in Bangladesh – A cross-sectional study

The availability of voluntary nonremunerated blood donors is a major concern in low- and middle-income countries because there is a substantial scarcity of safe blood supply against the expected demand. This study explores the status of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding blood donation among students and teachers of residential religious academic institutions in Jamalpur district in Bangladesh. Religious institutions were selected through simple random sampling, and the cross-sectional survey included 512 participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Over 90% of the participants were students, non-smokers, and aged 18–30 years. The majority (92%) did not ever donate blood to anyone, yet over 42% wanted to be regular donors. More than 80% considered blood donation a moral responsibility and an Islamic act. The common reasons for not donating blood were lack of knowledge (40%), lack of opportunity (20%), thinking it was harmful to health (21%), fearing needles (16%), and no financial benefit (6%). Interestingly, more than 67% did not know their blood group, and about 61% of the respondents said they did not hear of or could not remember any blood donation program. The participants had poor knowledge of general eligibility criteria but an overall positive attitude towards blood donation. There was a weak positive correlation between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. Participants willing to donate blood to strangers were four times more likely to do so regularly. Those who considered blood donation a religious act and a moral responsibility were twice as likely to become regular blood donors. This study reveals that many potential donors are being neglected, although they may be a valuable resource in addressing the ongoing blood donation issue.

A typology of strategies that recognize, reward, and incentivize blood donation.

Blood collection agencies (BCAs) worldwide are continuously looking to improve recognition, reward, and incentive (RRI) policies to optimize the recruitment and retention of blood donors. However, given the inconsistent categorization and variety of strategies available, there is a need for a theoretically informed and empirically supported framework to guide RRI research and policy development. Survey data from 1028 voluntary nonremunerated whole blood and plasma donors in Australia was used to validate a theorized RRI typology based on distinctions between the level of congruency with the act of donating blood (congruent vs. incongruent), visibility of acknowledgment (public vs. private), benefits provided (self vs. other), and likely reinforcement schedule (fixed vs. variable). A six-factor solution met all statistical criteria and was most consistent with a priori theoretical underpinnings. The factors were labeled (i) deal promotion, (ii) loyalty program, (iii) BCA token, (iv) health check, (v) charity donation, and (vi) travel compensation. This typology provides researchers with a standardized theoretical and conceptual framework to organize and synthesize findings from the existing literature and help BCAs develop RRI policies that are likely to be successful. We present a future research agenda across and within the RRI strategies.

Prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among voluntary blood donors: The need for adoption of sensitive screening assays

Background: Transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in blood donors increase the risk of acquisition of these infections in blood and blood products recipients. Sensitive screening methods reduce the risk of transmission of TTIs to blood and products recipients. Objectives: The study sought to determine the prevalence of TTIs among voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRBDs) and examine the need for the use of advanced donor screening methods to ensure blood infection safety. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). Consenting VNRBD aged 18–65 years, were consecutively recruited during routine blood drives organized by the NBTS, between August and October 2016 after completing a structured questionnaire. Samples from donated blood units were screened for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis using the fourth-generation ELISA. Results: The data obtained from 865 participants were analyzed. One hundred and eighty-two (21%) participants tested positive for TTIs. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis among the participants was 14.7%, 4.6%, 1.8%, and 1.6%, respectively. Coinfection was found in 8.7% of the study participants. A statistically significant association was established between the sex of the participants and TTIs (χ 2 = 6.217,P= 0.0013). Conclusion: The prevalence of TTIs among VNRBD was high. Due to its attendant consequences on blood infection safety and implication on donor retention, there is a need for adoption of sensitive screening assays to ensure blood safety.

Current State of Blood Transfusion Service in Mongolia

In 1963, Mongolian blood transfusion service was established officially with the independent creation of Blood Transfusion Central Station in Ulaanbaatar. In the following year of 1964, rural blood centers were organized under the provincial central hospitals in all provinces, thus blood transfusion care and service has started nationwide. As part of the continuous improvement of the legal framework for the blood transfusion sector, the Donor Law of Mongolia was adopted in 2000, amended in 2012, and revised in 2018. In 1994, Mongolian blood transfusion service has shifted from paid blood donation practice to the nonremunerated and has achieved a 100% voluntary nonremunerated blood donor, in 2016. The World Health Organization recommends that in low- and middle-income countries, the share of blood donors in the total population to be 1.5. As of 2020, this figure has reached at 1.8% in Ulaanbaatar. The National Center for Transfusion Medicine (NCTM) has introduced drastic technological innovations in blood and blood products (BBP) production periodically. Since 2007, the NCTM has been implementing three international standards in its activity including requirements for quality and competence for medical laboratories MNS ISO 15189:2015, quality management system MNS ISO 9001:2016, and occupational health and safety management system OHSAS 18001:2007/MNS OHSAS 18001/2012. In 2020, the Mongolian blood transfusion service provided safe and quality assured BBP to health care organizations with 100% of fulfillment nationwide.

Distribution of ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Phenotypes Among Blood Donors at Bahir Dar Blood Bank, Amhara, Northwest Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundAmong the blood group antigens identified, ABO and Rhesus are the most important in transfusion medicine. ABO blood group antigens are the most immunogenic followed by Rhesus (D antigen). These blood groups’ frequency distribution varies among different regions and races of the world. This study aimed to identifying the frequency distribution of ABO blood group and rhesus factors among blood donors in Ethiopia.Methods and MaterialsAretrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September 12/2019 to March 18/2021 at Bahir Dar blood bank service. After getting a permission letter from the blood bank, data were collected from the blood bank donor data registration system, and descriptive statistical results were presented in number (frequency) and percentage. A Chi-square test was used to show the difference in the frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among sex and blood donation site.ResultsFrom 40,053 blood donors, 67.7% were males and younger donors (within the age range of 18–24 years) account for 63.7%. All donations were from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. The most common blood group was blood group O (41.5%) followed by A (29.8), B (23.2%), and AB (5.5%). Considering ABO and Rh blood group altogether blood group O positive with 37.9% was the predominant blood group followed by A positive (27.2%), B positive (21.4%), AB positive (5%), O negative (3.6%), A negative (2.6%), B negative (1.8%), and AB negative (0.4%). The majority of study participants were 91.5% Rh (D) positive.ConclusionThis study showed that blood group O was the predominant followed by A, B, and AB and most of the blood donors’ blood groups were Rh-positive (91.5%). About 68.9% of the total donations were from the first time donor.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Uptake among Voluntary Blood Donors in Jos: Implication on Blood Safety

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a transfusion-transmissible pathogen that poses a significant threat to blood safety. The virus' burden is high in the general population and among blood donors in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to more donor rejection; blood discards, and increased risk of contamination of the blood supply. Hepatitis B Virus is vaccine-preventable; increased burden of infection may suggest a gap in vaccination. The study aimed to assess the level of hepatitis B virus vaccine uptake and identify factors affecting uptake of the vaccine among voluntary non remunerated blood donors (VNRBD) in Jos, Nigeria. A survey was conducted at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Jos, among consenting VNRBD aged between 18 and 65 years from October to December 2020 using a structured questionnaire to collect information on vaccination status, socio-demographics and others. Of the 120 VNRBD interviewed, 36.7% received one or more doses of the HBV vaccine, while the majority (63.3%) were unvaccinated. Among the unvaccinated donors, 57.9% were unaware that HBV has a vaccine, 21.1% did not know where to get the vaccine, 7.9% had no time to get vaccinated; 3.9 % believed that there was no need to get vaccinated because they tested negative for the virus, while 9.2% gave no reason. Our study found a low uptake of HBV vaccine among VNRBD in our environment. We advocate for increased awareness and strong legislation to ensure universal access to the vaccine by Nigerians.

Knowledge, attitudes and risk perception surrounding blood donation and receipt in two high income Caribbean countries.

To compare knowledge, attitudes and risk perception related to blood donation and transfusion in Trinidad and Tobago and Bahamas. Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas are two Caribbean countries whose national blood transfusion systems are heavily reliant (76.2% and 76%) on family replacement donors. The Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation recommends blood collection from exclusively voluntary nonremunerated donors on the grounds that family replacement donor-based blood systems are unsafe and inadequate compared to those based on voluntary nonremunerated blood donors. A 23-item questionnaire was distributed online by snowball sampling in these two countries to assess knowledge, attitudes, risk perception and behaviour. SPSS version 24 was used for interpretative and descriptive data analysis, chi-square to measure significance and linear regression the strength of associations. p< 0.05 was used to define statistical significance. Four hundred and fifty three (453) responses were obtained from Trinidad and Tobago and 101 from the Bahamas. Knowledge and positive attitudes were high in both countries (75.5% vs. 80.2%, p< 0.001 and 96.6% vs. 100%, p< 0.001). A substantial proportion of respondents held the perception that the local blood donation system was safe or very safe (26.4 and 61.4%, p< 0.001) that was linked to the misconception that the prevalent method of blood donation was voluntary nonremunerated (27.8 and 51.4%, p< 0.001). Concerns about receiving blood were underpinned by mistrust of transfusion-related procedures. A social interface to transfer information between blood transfusion services and the community could encourage voluntary nonremunerated blood donation and reduce concerns about receiving transfusion.

HEMATOLOGICAL REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEALTHY ADULTS IN THE NORTHWEST REGION OF CAMEROON / GAMMES DE RÉFÉRENCE HÉMATOLOGIQUE POUR LA SANTÉ ADULTES DANS LA RÉGION NORD-OUEST DU CAMEROUN

The interpretation of laboratory test results requires reference or cutoff values. An improved diagnosis with accurate, reliable laboratory reference ranges saves valuable healthcare resources essential for effective clinical evaluation and monitoring. This benefit provides improved cost containment by eliminating unnecessary testing, treatment changes, and use of other healthcare resources during the episode of care. Based on the above fact, this study was designed to establish reference ranges for hematological parameters in apparently healthy voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. The study was a hospital based cross-sectional experimental study conducted between February and October 2020. Blood samples were taken from 356 healthy adults (18 to 60 years) 211 (59.3%) males and 145 (40.7%) females and routine hematology analysis performed. Patients were assessed as healthy on the basis of a medical history and medical examinations. Venous blood from the antecubital fossa was collected in 2-3mL of K- ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) for complete blood counts. A total of nineteen hematological parameters were tested in this study and showed significant differences (p&lt;0.001) among males and females with the former showing higher CBC values, except WBC, GRAN# and platelet. More than 10% of the female population presented results that were out of that of the accompanying manual of the hematology analyzer used in the study. The reference range for LYM % for the female was above the upper limit of the manufacturers’ manual reference and for GRAN% in the males was below the lower limit of the accompanying manual of the hematology analyzer. Several differences were also observed when compared to previously established values from Yaounde (Cameroon), most notably in platelets. Our findings for CBC parameters, are in general agreement with previously published data from more limited trials undertaken in other African countries. In spite of the uncontrolled factors influencing hematological values, this study permitted to establish new hematological reference values for use in the North West region of Cameroon. In the absence of previously detailed and more comprehensive investigated hematological reference values for the region we offered to use these results for clinical management of patients from this region and interpretations of laboratory data.&#x0D; &#x0D; L'interprétation des résultats des tests de laboratoire nécessite des valeurs de référence ou de coupure. Un diagnostic amélioré avec des plages de référence de laboratoire précises et fiables permet d'économiser de précieuses ressources de santé essentielles pour une évaluation et un suivi cliniques efficaces. Cet avantage permet une meilleure maîtrise des coûts en éliminant les tests inutiles, les changements de traitement et l'utilisation d'autres ressources de soins de santé pendant l'épisode de soins. Sur la base de ce qui précède, cette étude a été conçue pour établir des plages de référence pour les paramètres hématologiques chez des donneurs de sang volontaires non rémunérés apparemment en bonne santé. L'étude était une étude expérimentale transversale en milieu hospitalier menée entre février et octobre 2020. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés sur 356 adultes en bonne santé (18 à 60 ans) 211 (59,3%) hommes et 145 (40,7%) femmes et une analyse hématologique de routine a été réalisée. Les patients ont été jugés sains sur la base des antécédents médicaux et des examens médicaux. Le sang veineux de la fosse antécubitale a été collecté dans 2-3 ml d'acide K-éthylènediamine tétra acétique (EDTA) pour une numération globulaire complète. Un total de dix-neuf paramètres hématologiques ont été testés dans cette étude et ont montré des différences significatives (p &lt;0,001) entre les hommes et les femmes, le premier montrant des valeurs de FSC plus élevées, sauf globules blancs, GRAN # et plaquettes. Plus de 10% de la population féminine a présenté des résultats différents de ceux du manuel d'accompagnement de l'analyseur d'hématologie utilisé dans l'étude. La plage de référence pour LYM% pour la femelle était au-dessus de la limite supérieure de la référence manuelle du fabricant et pour GRAN% chez les mâles était inférieure à la limite inférieure du manuel d'accompagnement de l'analyseur d'hématologie. Plusieurs différences ont également été observées par rapport aux valeurs précédemment établies à Yaoundé (Cameroun), notamment dans les plaquettes. Nos résultats pour les paramètres du FSC, sont en accord général avec les données publiées antérieurement à partir d'essais plus limités entrepris dans d'autres pays africains. Malgré les facteurs incontrôlés influençant les valeurs hématologiques, cette étude a permis d'établir de nouvelles valeurs hématologiques de référence à utiliser dans la région du Nord-Ouest du Cameroun. En l'absence de valeurs de référence hématologiques étudiées précédemment détaillées et plus complètes pour la région, nous avons proposé d'utiliser ces résultats pour la prise en charge clinique des patients de cette région et l'interprétation des données de laboratoire.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0775/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;