ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Iron supplementation is an effective strategy to mitigate donation-induced iron deficiency in blood donors. However, evidence on the perception of individuals involved in blood donation on iron supplementation as a blood service policy is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of whole blood donors (donors), blood collection staff (collection staff) and donor physicians (physicians) regarding donation-induced iron loss and iron supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Online focus group discussions had four to six participants and followed a structured questioning approach. All participants had to be fluent in Dutch to participate, and donors had donated at least five times. Sixteen donors, eight collection staff members and four physicians participated in this study. Recordings were transcribed, coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Awareness of donation-induced iron loss was limited in donors. Donors and physicians were predominantly positive towards iron supplementation; the primary motivator for donors was to prevent deferral and reduce iron-deficiency-related symptoms. Improving donor health was the main argument for physicians to advocate iron supplementation. Staff had a critical view on iron supplementation as a policy, as they perceived it as unethical and possibly ineffective. A knowledge gap might underlie their concerns. CONCLUSION: Most individuals involved in blood donation are positive towards iron supplementation as a blood service policy. If implemented, guidance and monitoring is desired and adequate education of all stakeholders is required.
Subject(s)
Iron Deficiencies , Iron , Humans , Blood Donors , Dietary Supplements , PerceptionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Frequent whole blood donors have an increased risk of developing iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can have detrimental health effects when left untreated. Donation intervals are commonly too short to replenish iron stores and extending these reduces donor availability. Oral iron supplementation is known to shorten iron store recovery time but may also induce gastrointestinal complaints. We aim to optimise the effectiveness of iron supplements while minimising the risks of side effects. Therefore, we will evaluate the impact of different iron supplementation protocols in terms of dosage and frequency on ferritin and haemoglobin levels, gastrointestinal side effects, iron deficiency-related symptoms and donor return compared with placebo supplementation. METHODS: Twelve hundred whole blood donors with ferritin levels ≤30 µg/L are included into a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Participants are randomly allocated to one of six arms, administering capsules containing 0 mg, 30 mg or 60 mg of iron, either on alternate days or daily for 56 days. At baseline and 56, 122 and 182 days of follow-up, ferritin and haemoglobin levels are measured, and compliance, donor return, dietary iron intake, gastrointestinal, iron deficiency-related symptoms and general health are assessed by questionnaire. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of different frequencies and dosages of administration of iron supplements on iron status and health effects, thereby considering individual differences in treatment adherence and lifestyle. The outcome will provide scientific evidence to guide the debate if and how oral iron supplements may support the recovery of whole blood donors with low ferritin levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NL8590; The Dutch trial registry.