Motivational differences between whole blood and plasma donors already exist before their first donation experience

Abstract

Motivational differences already exist between future whole blood and plasma donors before their first donation. Although a feeling of self-efficacy is necessary for all new donors, more favorable cognitions are important for future plasma donors. Recruitment strategies for plasma donors should focus on attracting the more self-confident donors by highlighting the usefulness of plasma donation.

Whole blood and apheresis donors in Quebec, Canada: Demographic differences and motivations to donate

“…Seven percent of divorced PPDs selected "My coworkers also give blood" and their WBD counterparts chose "My religious practice or convictions have encouraged me to donate" more often (4%) than other sub-categories. Around 10% of younger (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29) and single PPDs chose "Blood donation is a tradition in my family" while a similar proportion of male PPDs chose "I feel recognition from people around me" as an important motivator. Lastly, only 3% of PPDs in their thirties (30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39) and those with a low education chose "When I see posters and advertising" as a motivator.…”

“…Higher proportions of men among platelet donors have also been noted [19,22,23]. However, a survey conducted by Veldhuizen and van Dongen [21] revealed equivalent numbers of men and women among plasma donors registered in the program for 3 years or less. Indeed, some researchers have observed a higher rate of discontinuation of the practice among women due to their greater number of complications and reactions following plasma donation [24,25].…”

“…In surveys conducted in the context of volunteer, nonremunerated donation [17][18][19][20][21][22], researchers have observed higher proportions of men among apheresis donors. According to Bove et al [17], data compiled by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service reflected a higher proportion of older, retirement-aged men in the active pool of plasmapheresis donors.…”

“…Existing studies have shown that women tend to be more motivated by the fact that blood donation helps improve receiver health [27], and tend to give blood for altruistic and humanitarian reasons as well as to help meet the need for blood products [19,21]. Men appeared to be influenced more by a need for recognition [25], by their spouse/partner [21], or by the impression that donating blood is good for their own health [19,30]. Sojka and Sojka [33], however, observed no motivational differences between men and women in their survey.…”

Donor Research in Australia: Challenges and Promise

“…This integrated model has resulted in high-quality research, characterized by high participation rates. Research from the Donor Studies section has, amongst other achievements, quantified retention rates following first-time donor adverse events, predicted deferral rates due to low hemoglobin, explored the impact of educational level and other cultural factors on blood donation behavior, and identified predictors of plasma panel membership [16,17,18,19]. …”