Compliance and attitudes of blood donors following transitioning from permanent to 12‐month deferral of men who have sex with men in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background and Objectives Blood safety hinges not just on the scientific rationale for deferral period but potential donors' compliance with the prevailing policy. This study aimed to investigate donors' awareness, attitudes and compliance with the two-phased policy implementation of time-limited deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong. Materials and MethodsThree rounds of questionnaire survey were conducted between July 2017 and June 2019 covering the periods of pre-implementation (Round A), post-implementation without and with pre-donation questionnaire revision (Round B and C). Chi-square test and multivariable regression analysis were performed.Results Of 3085 donors recruited, 968, 1036 and 1081 completed the surveys in Round A, B and C, respectively. The non-compliance rate of MSM remained stable at 0Á6% (3/497), 0Á4% (2/551) and 0Á5% (3/587) among male donors in Round A, B and C, respectively. Two MSM donors from Round C complying with the prevailing policy were identified. About two-thirds (60Á7%) of respondents from Round B and C were unaware of the policy change. Overall, over 80% were either neutral or positive about the change. ConclusionOur study showed a consistently low non-compliance rate of MSM over the three periods. The generally high level of acceptance of time-limited deferral among donors lends support to science-based policy development to protect blood safety. The identification of compliant MSM donors suggests that the 12-month deferral is effective and acceptable to MSM. With a deferral period far exceeding the window period, it is a step towards a more equitable policy.

Undisclosed Sexual Risk Exposures: Results of a Nationwide Compliance Study among Whole Blood Donors in Germany

“…A quarter of the non-compliant men were MSM resulting in a relatively small percentage of male donors which did not disclose their MSM activity within the last 12 months before their last donation (0.9%). This proportion is in line with (but somewhat higher than) other reported non-compliance with a 12 months deferral period of MSM in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, and the UK (0.23%–0.73% [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 42 ]). Not surprisingly, a disproportionate share was found among men younger than 35 years what significantly entails the observed correlation between MSM non-compliance and current vocational/academic training.…”

Communicating the move to individualized donor selection policy: Framing messages focused on recipients and safety

“…While ensuring a policy change does not put‐off donors is a primary consideration, a second is ensuring those attending comply with the new selection criteria. 12 , 46 , 47 Thus, we also explore whether potential donors are aware of factors that may influence non‐compliance. We examine awareness of three factors that may influence non‐compliance: (i) anticipated shame/embarrassment of being asked about sexual behaviors, 48 , 49 , 50 (ii) forgetting sexual behaviors, 51 and (iii) the perception that the questions are irrelevant because blood is tested for infections.…”

“…While ensuring a policy change does not put‐off donors is a primary consideration, a second is ensuring those attending comply with the new selection criteria 12,46–47 . Thus, we also explore whether potential donors are aware of factors that may influence non‐compliance.…”