Steps Forward to a Fair and Inclusive Blood Supply.

Blood transfusions save lives. Scientific advancements in infectious disease testing, immunohematology, and blood processing, coupled with an altruistic blood donor model, blood transfusion has become a safe and effective therapeutic intervention. Blood establishments are an integral part of the health care continuum. However, challenges related to access to blood as well as diversity of blood donors can reflect the broader issues within our health care system. An awareness of the social injustices while using medical evidence-based data to support change will be essential for ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments for all individuals and the communities we serve.

High-frequency whole blood donation and its impact on mortality: Evidence from a data linkage study in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports suggest that blood donors have a lower mortality risk, which may partially reflect the "healthy donor effect" (HDE). HDE arises in donors due to selection bias and confounding if not appropriately addressed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study data linked with blood donation history, we used a "5-year exposure window" method to select donors into regular high-frequency whole blood (WB)donors (at least two donations per exposure year) and low-frequency donors (remaining donors) with an active donation career of 5 years. To further reduce the confounding, we used statistical approaches like the inverse probability weighted (IPW) marginal structural model and the doubly robust targeted minimum loss-based estimator (TMLE), which incorporated machine learning algorithms and time-varying analyses. RESULTS: We selected 4750 (64.7%) low-frequency and 2588 (35.3%) high-frequency donors in the analyses. A total of 69 (1.5%) from the low-frequency and 45 (1.7%) donors from the regular high-frequency group died during the 7-year follow-up period. We did not find any statistically significant association between regular high-frequency blood donation and mortality (IPW RR = 0.98 95% CI 0.68, 1.28). TMLE model also showed similar results to IPW (RR = 0.97 95% CI 0.80, 1.16). Time-varying TMLE did not find any significant association between high-frequency donation and all-cause mortality either (RR = 0.98 95% 0.74, 1.29). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a significant association between regular high-frequency WB donation and all-cause mortality when appropriate methods were employed to minimize the HDE.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Factors of Voluntary Blood Donation in Selected Towns of Awi Zone, Injibara, Ethiopia.

Background: Blood donation is the process of collecting blood from donors who are at low risk for infection and are unlikely to jeopardize their health by blood donation. It is a lifesaving practice for people who have lost ample volumes of blood as a result of accidents, obstetric and gynecological bleeding, severe anemia, and cancer. Aim: This study is aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors toward voluntary blood donation in Chagni, Dangila, Injibara, and Jawi towns. Subject and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design and multistage sampling technique were employed. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both descriptive statistics and the multivariate logistic regression model were employed to determine the significance. The association between blood donation knowledge, attitude, practice, and sociodemographic variables was tested using multivariate logistic regression. Results: In Chagni, 110 (55.6%), Dangila, 162 (79.0%), Injibara, 139 (73.5%), and Jawi, 165 (64.5%), towns had adequate knowledge regarding voluntary blood donation. In Chagni, 141 (74.6%), Dangila, 170 (66.4%), Injibara, 168 (82.0%), and Jawi, 148 (74.7%), towns had an adequate attitude regarding voluntary blood donation. In Chagni, 28 (14.1%), Dangila (15.3%), Injibara (29.3%), and Jawi (12.3%), towns practiced voluntary blood donation. Respondents' sex, education level, and age were found to be significantly associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation. Those who had a degree and above were more likely (AOR = 9.239, 5.789, 5.468, and 9.72 at 95% CI) to know about blood donation relative to those who could not read and write in Chagni, Dangila, Injibara, and Jawi, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of respondents had adequate knowledge and attitudes toward blood donation but had lower practices toward voluntary blood donation.

Blood transfusion in the Caribbean: Historical perspective in the context of Trinidad and Tobago.

To compare the historical development of blood transfusion in Britain and a former British West Indian colony. International transfusion bodies recommend national coordination and exclusively voluntary non-remunerated donation as essential pre-requisites for blood safety. These ideals have been achieved in high-income countries including Great Britain, the United States of America and Canada. However, most West Indian countries have fragmented, hospital-based blood services that rely on family replacement and remunerated donors. Comparative historical analysis of blood transfusion service development in Great Britain and Trinidad and Tobago was undertaken to provide insight into their dichotomous development and inform policy decisions to bridge the gap between the two types of transfusion service. The British National Blood Transfusion service was based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation from its inception but achieved national coordination over 50 years that included a period of regional control during which incoordination contributed to a tainted blood scandal. Failure to establish community voluntary non-remunerated donation in Trinidad and Tobago during the colonial period, before independence in 1962, allowed regionally-controlled family replacement and remunerated blood donation to become entrenched then perpetuated by path dependence. A university-led programme has recently used historically-proven methods, drawing on the experiences of the British National Blood Transfusion Service, to establish a model for developing a voluntary non-remunerated programme. The programme aims to avoid historical pitfalls during its national extension. Historical analysis provided information for introducing voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and planning a nationally-coordinated blood transfusion service.

Feline blood donation: Description and adverse reactions from 29 201 donation events between 2019 and 2023.

BACKGROUND: Feline blood transfusion is required for the treatment of various illnesses in cats, and the safety of donor cats is vital. Donor adverse reactions can include cardiorespiratory, venepuncture-related, and behavioral abnormalities. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe a large number of feline blood donation events and document use of sedation and anxiolysis, record volume of blood collected and describe the frequency, type, and risk factors for, adverse reactions. ANIMALS: The study included 7812 individual cats and 29 201 donation events at a blood banking center over 5 years. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of donation event records with signalment, donation volume, sedation status, donation number, and adverse reactions (acute and caregiver reported) recorded. Risk factors for adverse reactions were examined by stratifying data according to groups exposed to relevant predictors and calculating odds ratios with 95% and 99% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Adverse reactions were uncommon (0.29%, 2.88/1000 donor events) and most commonly were cardiorespiratory (0.08%, 0.75/1000 donor events) or behavioral (0.06%, 0.62/1000 donor events). The only risk factor significantly associated with adverse reactions was conscious donation, with conscious donors 4.4 times more likely to have an adverse reaction (95% CI, 2.5-7.9, P ≤ .0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Feline blood donation is associated with a low rate of adverse reactions. Sedation should be considered to reduce adverse reactions, and the environment and interactions optimized to reduce donor stress. Caregiver education on care postdonation could reduce behavioral adverse reactions.

The American Rare Donor Program: 25 years supporting rare blood needs.

Rare donor programs are critically important for those patients with rare phenotypes who have produced the associated alloantibodies that necessitate the provision of rare blood components. We describe the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP) and its establishment, members, and policies. The specific phenotypes meeting the ARDP criteria for inclusion are described. Data on the number of rare donors registered by year, and the number of requests for rare blood components received and fulfilled over the 25 years of the program (1998-2023) are provided, along with a description of some notable cases and discussion of how the program supports patients with sickle cell disease.

Research on the effectiveness and strategies of new media in promoting voluntary blood donation from a public health perspective in the post-pandemic era.

Objective: This study explores the effectiveness of new media in enhancing public enthusiasm for voluntary blood donation in the post-pandemic era and proposes effective publicity strategies to promote the sustainability and healthy development of blood donation activities. Methods: A questionnaire survey was widely used to collect public opinions and attitudes toward voluntary blood donation. The sample data underwent rigorous reliability and validity analysis to ensure authenticity and reliability. Statistical methods such as correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to deeply investigate the underlying relationships between factors like new media publicity, emotional value, social recognition, convenience, information reliability, and willingness to donate blood voluntarily. Based on these analyses, a research model was constructed, and relevant hypotheses were verified through empirical methods. Results: The study found that new media publicity may be associated with increasing the willingness of the public to voluntarily donate blood. Survey participants indicated that they were more likely to consider donating blood after exposure to new media publicity. Among these factors, the emotional value and content conveyed by the publicity appeared to be particularly important. Additionally, our research revealed that social recognition, the convenience of blood donation, and the reliability of promotional information seemed to have a direct impact on the public's willingness to donate blood. At the same time, these factors may indirectly promote actual blood donation behavior by enhancing the public's emotional resonance and acceptance of blood donation. Conclusion: This study suggests that new media may play multiple positive roles in promoting voluntary blood donation. Based on these findings, we propose a series of strategic recommendations, including further optimizing publicity content, striving to enhance the public's emotional resonance, improving the reliability of promotional information, and enhancing service convenience. These suggestions aim to potentially raise public awareness and willingness to participate in voluntary blood donation, providing a scientific basis and strong support for the promotion of voluntary blood donation in the post-epidemic era.

[Factors associated with the intention to donate blood in patients of a hospital in Peru]. / Factores asociados a la intención de donación de sangre en pacientes de un hospital de Perú.

OBJECTIVE: Research on factors that modify the intention to donate blood voluntarily in the general population in Peru is scarce, and most of it are focused on health science personnel. The aim of the present study was to estimate the factors associated with the intention to donate blood in patients attending an outpatient clinic in a hospital in northern Peru. METHODS: A prospective unpaired study of cases (n=185) and controls (n=185) was designed. A case was defined as a patient who responded "if I would voluntarily donate blood in the future" to the initial filter question. The response variable was intention to donate blood and the exposure variables were sex, age, marital status, educational level, employment status, monthly income, religion, donation practices, and knowledge about donation. In addition, the motivations for blood donation were explored. To identify the associated factors, crude odds ratios (ORc) were calculated by means of generalized linear models, using the Poisson family, log link function and robust models; then the variables that showed a significant statistical association were adjusted by multivariate analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic variables, and the adjusted odds ratios (ORa) were obtained. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, male sex (ORa=1.37), having a high monthly income (ORa=1.26), professing the catholic religion (ORa=5.27), having a higher score in the knowledge questionnaire (ORa=1.04), having previously donated (ORa=1.64) and having a family member who had previously donated (ORa=1.72) increased the probability of intention to donate blood. On the other hand, older age (ORa=0.97) decreased said probability. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors associated with the intention to donate blood are identified, most of which were similar to previous studies. It is highlighted that a high level of knowledge, as well as previous donation experiences, increase the intention to donate blood.

OBJECTIVE: Las investigaciones sobre factores que modifiquen la intención de donar sangre voluntariamente en población general en Perú son escasas, y la mayoría se centran en el personal de Ciencias de la Salud. El objetivo del presente estudio fue estimar los factores asociados a la intención de donación de sangre en pacientes que acudían a consulta externa de un hospital del norte peruano. METHODS: Se diseñó un estudio de casos (n=185) y controles (n= 185) prospectivo no pareado. Se definió como caso al paciente que respondía "si donaría voluntariamente sangre en el futuro" a la pregunta filtro inicial. La variable respuesta fue la intención de donación de sangre y las de exposición fueron sexo, edad, estado civil, grado de instrucción, situación laboral, ingresos mensuales, religión, prácticas sobre la donación y conocimientos sobre la donación. Adicionalmente se exploraron las motivaciones para la donación de sangre. Para identificar los factores asociados se calcularon odds ratio crudos (ORc) mediante modelos lineales generalizados, haciendo uso de la familia Poisson, función de enlace log y modelos robustos; luego, las variables que mostraron asociación estadística significativa se ajustaron mediante análisis multivariado, ajustándolas por las variables sociodemográficas, y se obtuvieron los odds ratio ajustados (ORa). RESULTS: En el análisis multivariado aumentaron la probabilidad de intención de donación de sangre ser de sexo masculino (ORa=1,37), tener ingresos mensuales altos (ORa=1,26), profesar la religión católica (ORa=5,27), tener una mayor puntuación en el cuestionario de conocimientos (ORa=1,04), haber donado previamente (ORa=1,64) y que un familiar hubiera donado previamente (ORa=1,72). Por otro lado, la edad más avanzada (ORa=0,97) disminuyó dicha probabilidad. CONCLUSIONS: Se identifican diversos factores asociados a la intención de donación de sangre. Se resalta que el nivel de conocimientos elevado, así como experiencias previas en donación, aumentan la intención de donar sangre.

Whole Blood Donor Iron Management Across Europe: Experiences and Challenges in Four Blood Establishments.

Whole blood donors lose iron while donating and frequent blood donation is therefore known to induce a risk of iron deficiency and/or anemia. In this review we present, compare and discuss the pros and cons of 4 distinctive donor iron management strategies in England, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Donor iron management policies in the countries concerned are described for the year 2021, and data on donor and donation numbers, low hemoglobin (Hb) deferral rates and Hb levels are presented. In England Hb levels were only measured in donors failing a copper sulphate test, while in the other 3 countries Hb is measured at every donation. In Finland, donors considered at risk of iron deficiency receive iron supplements, while in the Netherlands, ferritin-guided donation intervals without iron supplementation are in place. In Denmark, iron supplementation is provided to donors with low ferritin levels. Low-Hb deferral rates and average Hb levels are quite similar across the included countries, with the exception of higher deferral rates in England. To conclude, despite significant diversity in donor iron management approaches, low Hb deferral rates and average Hb levels are similar among the included countries except for England, where higher deferral rates were observed that are likely attributed to the absence of iron supplementation or ferritin-guided deferral. Achieving an optimal, more tailored iron management strategy requires further research and a nuanced understanding of both donor demographics and physiological responses to optimize the effectiveness and safety of blood donation practices.

Efficacy of Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation for Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) surgeries necessitate a substantial amount of allogeneic blood resources. However, the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in TSS surgery has not been clearly evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PABD for TSS surgery. METHODS: This study is a retrospective study. Totally 397 patients who underwent TSS surgeries at our institution from January 2019 to June 2023 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make the PABD and Non-PABD groups comparable at baseline. Regarding outcome measures, the incidence and amount of allogeneic blood transfusion, changes in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, occurrence of postoperative complications, medical costs, drainage time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative neurological function were analyzed. The outcomes were compared between the matched PABD (n = 79) and Non-PABD (n = 79) groups. Univariate analysis methods were used for statistical analysis, including independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and chi-square test. RESULTS: The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion (8.9% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.006) and volume of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (10.12 ± 54.52 vs. 122.78 ± 275.00 mL, p < 0.001) in the PABD group were significantly lower than those in the Non-PABD group. The PABD group had significantly higher average postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than the Non-PABD group at 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Similarly, the PABD group exhibited a smaller reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared with the Non-PABD group on 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of transfusion-related complications, medical expenses, neurological function, length of hospital stay, or drainage time. Notably, PABD was an independent protective factor of allogeneic transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.334, 95%CI = 0.051-0.966). CONCLUSIONS: PABD can effectively reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and amount of allogeneic blood in TSS surgeries with safety. It also significantly improved the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Under the premise of clear indications, PABD is worth promoting for the surgical treatment of TSS.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) detects body resistance increase in dogs undergoing blood donation.

Using raw parameters of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and derived Phase Angle (PhA) has emerged as an alternative to conventional predictive BIA for body fluid volumes and body composition estimation in human patients, offering an approach independent of predictive equations. Classic predictive equation-based BIA remains unsuitable for veterinary clinical practice due to the high morphological variability within the canine species. This study aimed to validate the feasibility of BIA in dogs and assess its utility in detecting changes in body fluid volumes, particularly in blood donation. Sixty healthy blood donor dogs and ten controls were longitudinally assessed using BIA raw parameters with a portable analyzer at a 50 kHz frequency. Measurements were performed before and after blood donation in donor dogs, whereas in controls, they were carried out at two time points, approximating the timing of a donation. Significant increases in raw bioelectrical parameters were observed after blood donation in the donor group, while differences were not statistically significant in controls. Hematocrit values did not significantly differ between the two time points in both groups. These findings suggest the feasibility of using BIA to detect changes in body fluid volumes in dogs undergoing blood donation, highlighting its potential application in veterinary medicine. Further research should explore the applicability of BIA in spontaneous pathological conditions involving fluid loss or retention and investigate the potential utility of PhA as a prognostic or monitoring tool in veterinary clinical practice. This study provides valuable insights into using BIA in canine medicine, paving the way for enhanced diagnostic and monitoring strategies in clinical practice.

Stratified analysis of risk factors affecting vasovagal reactions in first-time whole blood donors: A regional multi-center donor hemovigilance data study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vasovagal reactions (VVR) are the most common adverse reactions in blood donation. This study aimed to provide and analyze the data of the regional hemovigilance system in Chongqing, China from 2020 to 2022, report the prevalence and explore the risk factors of VVR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: R software (version 4.2.3) was used for all statistical analyses. Frequency and composition rates were used to describe the data of total donation, as well as data on the different types of ADR. The Chi-square test was used to analyze risk factors for VVR and inter-group comparisons of VVR stratified by gender (female/male), age (18-22; 23-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-60) and season(Spring (Mar.-May.); Summer (Jun.-Aug.); Autumn (sep.-Nov.); Winter (Dec.-Feb.)). RESULTS: The reported incidence rate of VVR was 8.69‰ during whole blood donations and 1.02‰ during platelet-apheresis donations.The stratified analysis revealed that female donors aged 18-22 years old and 30-39 years old were reported to have lower VVR rates than male donors, oppositely, higher in females in 50-60 years old. Statistically significant differences in the incidence rate of VVR were observed between winter and summer, and between winter and spring in 18-49 years old. No seasonal variation was found in 50-60 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The reported incidence rate of VVR related to blood donation was very low and varied from those calculated by other haemovigilance systems. The higher prevalence of VVR in young, first-time donors, college students, donating in mobile vehicles, males and in spring. Among first-time donors, the prevalence of VVR was higher in males than in females; and stratified analysis revealed there were seasonal variation and gender differences within a same age group.

Response Patterns and Behavior of Seropositive Blood Donors: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Background Blood transfusion services are vital in healthcare, ensuring a steady and safe supply of blood for patients in need. Identifying seropositive blood donors and understanding their response patterns and behaviors are critical for improving the safety and efficacy of blood transfusion practices. Aim Our study aims to determine the response rate and pattern of blood donors who test reactive for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and to understand the attitudes of reactive blood donors toward post-donation notification, follow-up, and counseling. Materials and methods Our study is retrospective audit analyzing the data record for a period of 24 months from October 2021 to October 2023 in the transfusion medicine department of a tertiary care hospital in southern India. All donations were screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, malaria, and syphilis. Results Of the total 8,276 donations during the study period, 117 (1.41%) were reactive for various TTIs. The highest prevalence was hepatitis B (0.61%), followed by hepatitis C (0.38%), then HIV (0.22%) and syphilis (0.14%). Of all the TTI reactive donors, 82 donors (70%) responded after communication, and the remaining 30% could not be contacted by any mode of communication. The most common reason for non-communication was the fabricated postal address given by the donors. Of the donors approached, 57 (48.7%) reinstated to our blood bank for further counseling and specific treatment. The donor's busy schedule and out-of-city residence were the main reasons for non-compliance with the follow-up protocol. Conclusion Informing donors of their serological status and providing post-donation counseling are crucial elements of blood transfusion protocol. Necessary knowledge about TTIs are to be instilled to the donors during the blood collection procedure. Moreover, its crucial for the donor to provide accurate demographic details aiding follow up and easy access during times of managing blood inventory.

Predeposit Autologous Blood Donation in Rh(D)-Negative Pregnant Women: A Single-Center Study.

Objective The primary purpose of this study was to assess the practicability of predeposit autologous blood donation (PABD) in the practice of Rh(D)-negative pregnant women. Materials and Methods A cohort of 405 Rh(D)-negative pregnant women who had a delivery in the comprehensive tertiary hospital in Nanjing was analyzed retrospectively, over 10 years. Results After PABD, 203 women experienced a slight drop in mean hemoglobin of 5.32 ± 0.5 g/L (PABD-associated anemia was not featured in our study). Thirteen women who received allogeneic blood might benefit from PABD practically. Conclusion PABD is applicable for Rh(D)-negative pregnant women, as it ensures the availability of the patient's blood in the event of perinatal hemorrhage, thus minimizing the need for transfusion from external sources. Despite the autologous blood reinfusion of low proportion, PABD could still serve as an alternative when allogeneic blood resources are scarce. However, one challenge in the future is to identify candidates who may benefit most from PABD. Also, more attention is needed to raise awareness of patient blood management. Recommended strategies include early screening and treatment of anemia, hemostasis promotion, and blood loss reduction. Replacement of allogeneic transfusion with autotransfusion could be referred to where feasible. We believe that PABD still has a promising potential for application in Rh(D)-negative pregnant women.

An instrument of screening criteria to assess individualized high-risk sexual behavior to be applied in the Brazilian population: translation and cross-cultural adaptation.

BACKGROUND: Alternative approaches have been proposed to ensure a safe and equitable screening process for blood donation that treats all people equally, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. The terms 'neutral approach' and 'individualized risk assessment' have been used to describe this goal. To facilitate research and implementation of these concepts in blood donation contexts and health services in Brazil, we propose a Portuguese version of the 'for the assessment of individualized risk screening criteria' (FAIR) screening criteria. METHODS: The FAIR screening criteria are 12 questions that assess sex, sexuality, ethnicity, and the extent to which participants engaged in each targeted sexual behavior. The aim of FAIR is to reduce error while increasing reliable and accurate reporting of sexual behaviors associated with both objective and subjective estimates of infection risk. The FAIR screening criteria were translated and cross-culturally adapted using a systematic approach with standardized procedures appropriate for adapting instruments that track behaviors. RESULTS: A version that is appropriate for use with the Brazilian population was produced employing the following steps: expert translations, harmonization, consensus version, expert back-translation, revision, panel of experts, cognitive interviewing, and finalization. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese version of FAIR was proposed, and because of its straightforward, simple language and focus on specific and frequent behaviors in some populations, it has the potential to be used in a variety of contexts involving the screening of high-risk sexual behavior in Brazil.

Understanding the Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes of University Students Toward Blood Donation and the Turkish Red Crescent: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The need for blood arising from illness, surgery, and accidents is met through donations. With global population growth, both non-governmental organizations and public institutions are vital for blood supply and distribution. The Turkish Red Crescent, a leading non-governmental organization in blood donation and humanitarian aid, excels in both national and international contexts, ensuring a safe blood supply and reinforcing social solidarity during crises. This study aims to determine the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of students from different departments at a public university in Turkey regarding blood donation and the Turkish Red Crescent. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included 34,442 Ege University students, with the sample consisting of 385 students who continued their education online due to the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey and voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected via an online survey. Results The study found that 56.9% (219) of the participants were female, 30.9% (119) were in the second year, and 16.6% (64) were from the Faculty of Science. Overall, 89.6% (345) of the students held positive views on blood donation. Further, 64.4% (248) showed a positive inclination toward donating blood, and 76.8% (296) viewed it as a social responsibility. However, 70.4% (271) of the students had doubts about whether the blood will reach those in need, and 61.6% (237) were concerned about this issue. Additionally, women donated blood more than men with significant differences in some attitudes based on gender. Conclusions The research revealed that students defined blood donation as a good deed and an indicator of human solidarity. On the other hand, students lacked knowledge about the Turkish Red Crescent and were undecided in some of their opinions about the Turkish Red Crescent.

Iron deficiency-related symptoms in non-anemic whole blood donors.

INTRODUCTION: Whole blood donors are at increased risk for iron deficiency (ID). ID anemia is associated with several symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, pica, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). However, it is unclear if these symptoms also occur when a donor has developed ID without anemia. This study aims to determine whether non-anemic ID (NAID) is associated with the occurrence of ID-related symptoms. STUDY DESIGNS AND METHODS: We combined data from three studies in whole blood donors (i.e., Donor Insight-III, FIND'EM, and FORTE) to create a substantial sample size (N = 12,143). The self-reported occurrence and severity of ID-related symptoms, such as physical and mental health, fatigue, cognitive functioning, pica, and RLS, was measured using validated questionnaires. Associations were studied using logistic regression modeling with ID-related symptoms derived from the questionnaires as the dependent variable and ferritin level group (0-15 µg/L, 15-30 µg/L, and >30 µg/L) as explanatory variable. RESULTS: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9829 donors were eligible for analysis. In the models corrected for age, body mass index, Hb level, and cohort, only fatigue was shown to be associated with ferritin levels in men, showing lower odds (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11-1.79) for fatigue with higher ferritin levels. CONCLUSION: In these studies, NAID was only associated with self-reported fatigue in male donors. Although selection bias may have led to underestimated associations, ferritin measurements in donors should be primarily considered as a measure to prevent anemia, rather than to prevent or mitigate NAID-related symptoms.

Acceptability of sexual history questions in a gender-neutral risk assessment for blood donation.

BACKGROUND: Currently in Australia, men are deferred from donating blood if they have had sex with another man within the past 3 months. However, a proposed gender-neutral assessment (GNA) process will ask all donors questions about sex with new or multiple recent partners, with deferral based on responses to a question about anal sex. Understanding the acceptability of such questions among existing and potential blood donors is paramount for successful implementation of GNA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used data from a nationally representative survey to estimate the levels of comfort with the proposed GNA questions among the Australian population and subgroups, defined by self-reported ethnicity and religion. Respondents were aged over 18 and living in Australia. Results were weighted to represent the population. RESULTS: Most of the 5178 respondents described themselves as comfortable with answering questions about new partners (73.1%) or anal sex (64.0%) to donate blood. However, 2.2% and 4.5% indicated that questions about new sex partners and anal sex, respectively, would stop them from donating, and 4.4% and 7.7% respectively, said they were "completely uncomfortable." By religion, the least comfortable were Muslim or Eastern Orthodox respondents, and by country of birth, the least comfortable were those born in the Middle East, followed by those born in Southern Europe and Asia. DISCUSSION: GNA appears to be broadly acceptable in the Australian context, but our findings suggest that key GNA questions are less acceptable in some population subgroups, indicating a need for targeted campaigns that consider cultural sensitivities.

Blood Money: Is it Time to Incentivize Blood Donation in India?

Blood donation, a fundamental act of altruism, has undergone significant evolution over the centuries. Despite medical progress, the persistent challenge lies in securing an adequate supply of blood and its derivatives. This article critically examines the proposal to introduce monetary incentives for blood donation, delving into ethical, legal, and pragmatic dimensions. India's current framework staunchly upholds voluntary, unpaid donations. However, global practices diverge significantly. Notably, India previously permitted monetary compensation for blood donation but later prohibited it due to concerns about infection transmission. Monetary incentives offer a potential solution to address key deterrents faced by potential donors. Health anxieties, time constraints, and fear of infection often discourage voluntary donations. By providing financial motivation, we may enhance donor participation and bolster the reliability of the blood supply. While the benefits are evident, caution is essential. Implementing monetary incentives necessitates robust safeguards. Preventing the exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensuring the safety of blood products remain paramount. Striking this delicate balance requires careful consideration. By analyzing ethical, legal, and practical facets, we navigate the intricate landscape of blood supply management.

The association between attitude towards facemasks, quality of donation experience and relationship with healthcare providers: A cross-sectional exploratory study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Facemasks represent an essential measure of prevention against the spread of infectious diseases; however, they lessen the ability to convey and understand emotions through facial expressions. In blood donation settings, facemask wearing could interfere with professionals' tasks, reduce the satisfaction of blood donors and affect their future blood donation behaviour. This preliminary cross-sectional study explored the association of mandatory facemask wearing with the quality of the blood donation process at the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 615 voluntary unpaid Italian blood and plasma donors completed an online survey assessing their attitude towards facemask wearing, the perceived distress due to facemasks in the different steps of the donation process, self-reported vasovagal reactions after donation and the intention to donate again. RESULTS: Nearly 24% of donors reported a worsened quality of the donation process due to facemask wearing, and 36% reported moderate to severe distress during the donation itself. Donors with a more negative attitude towards facemasks reported a worse donation experience, mainly related to the interactions and the communication with physicians and nurses, and a higher probability of experiencing vasovagal reactions at their last donation. No significant correlations were observed between negative facemask attitudes towards facemask wearing, distress or future intention to donate blood/plasma. CONCLUSION: Facemasks have worsened the quality of blood and plasma donations for one fourth of donors, confirming the interference with the quality of communications and relationships with healthcare professionals.