Motivational Differences between Whole Blood and Apheresis Donors in Quebec, Canada: A Questionnaire-Based Survey in a Voluntary Nonremunerated Context

Abstract

Background. Finding ways to recruit apheresis donors is crucial. The aim of this study was to provide a quantitative analysis of the motivations of regular plasma/platelets donors (PPDs) in comparison with those of regular whole blood donors (WBDs), in a voluntary and nonremunerated context. Study Design and Methods. Motives to donate blood and demographic characteristics were collected through questionnaires completed by 795 WBDs and 473 PPDs. Chi-square tests were completed to determine which motivations stand out across the two blood donor groups. Results. The motivator selected by the highest percentage was “my blood can save lives.” Comparison of WBDs and PPDs showed that 12 out of 23 items were statistically significantly different from one group to another. Conclusion. The belief that helping others is in their nature is more prevalent among PPDs. In this sense, their profile is unique. Four other motivators distinguish this group from the WBDs: “I think there is a strong need for blood products,” “it gives me a sense of pride,” “I like to have goals,” and “I receive telephone reminders.” These motivators point to the role the ongoing support provided by blood collection agencies (BCAs) plays with PPDs.

How do people become plasma and platelet donors in a VNR context?

“…The targeted number of respondents was 50 subjects. In 2014, we conducted a questionnaire‐based survey (QBS) in order to compare the motivations and the practical experiences of WBDs to those of PPDs . For this survey, sampling (18‐ to 55‐year‐old group) was done by accessing and extracting information from Héma‐Québec's donor information system (Progesa).…”

“…The first question of the QBS concerned motivators for blood donation. Several sources were used in selecting and formulating the proposed answer choices . Respondents were given the opportunity to check off the five answers out of 22 that they consider relevant when asked about their motives for donating blood.…”

“…The majority of research on apheresis donation has focused on donors' socio‐economic profiles, conversion process, barriers (deterrents), and donors' motivations . Some of these studies were conducted in countries where remuneration for plasmapheresis or plateletpheresis is available .…”

“…The motivators most frequently cited by PPDs were prosocial . Some studies highlighted the importance of the interpersonal relationships developed with collection staff and other donors, the ease of developing a routine, the ability to increase one's number of donations, or developing a sense of belonging to a blood donation “elite” …”

La Chaire de recherche sur les aspects sociaux du don de sang : un partenariat inédit dans l’univers de la recherche conjointe au Québec

“…En 2014, l'équipe s'est engagée dans la réalisation d'une enquête par questionnaires sur les motivations et la pratique du don de sang au Québec. Les résultats ont été diffusés dans les revues (anglophones) de médecine transfusionnelle, revues qui préfèrent des articles courts et une description détaillée des méthodes plutôt que de longs débats conceptuels (Charbonneau, Cloutier et Carrier, 2015a;2015b;. L'équipe de l'INRS a fait l'apprentissage de la rédaction de ce type d'articles et les chercheurs d'Héma-Québec sont assez contents que leur partenaire publie enfin dans les revues qu'ils lisent régulièrement.…”