Family adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome from 12 countries.

Our current understanding of adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is based primarily on findings from studies focused on participants from a single country. Guided by the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation, the purpose of this cross-country investigation, which is part of a larger, mixed methods study, was twofold: (1) to compare family adaptation in 12 countries, and (2) to examine the relationships between family variables and family adaptation. The focus of this study is data collected in the 12 countries where at least 30 parents completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were generated, and mean family adaptation was modeled in terms of each predictor independently, controlling for an effect on covariates. A parsimonious composite model for mean family adaptation was adaptively generated. While there were cross-country differences, standardized family adaptation mean scores fell within the average range for all 12 countries. Key components of the guiding framework (i.e., family demands, family appraisal, family resources, and family problem-solving communication) were important predictors of family adaptation. More cross-country studies, as well as longitudinal studies, are needed to fully understand how culture and social determinants of health influence family adaptation in families of individuals with DS.

Quality of life after prophylactic surgery for colorectal adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE: Colorectal adenomatous polyposis is characterized by the onset of tens to thousands of adenomas in the colorectal epithelium and, if not treated, leads to a lifetime increased risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to the general population. Thus, prophylactic surgery is recommended. This study aims to investigate the quality of life of colorectal adenomatous polyposis patients following prophylactic surgery and indirectly compares these findings with those of healthy adults of the normative sample. METHODS: All patients who underwent prophylactic surgery for polyposis and were in follow-up at the hereditary digestive tract tumors outpatient department of our institute were eligible for the study. The Short Form-36 questionnaire and 21 ad hoc items were used at the time of clinical evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were enrolled. For the SF-36 domains, mean values ranged from 64.18 for vitality to 88.49 for physical functioning, with the highest variability for role-physical limitations; the minimum value of functioning was reached for role-physical limitations, role-emotional limitations, and social functioning. The maximum value of functioning was reached for role-emotional limitations (73.96%) and role-physical limitations (60.42%). In total, 48.96% and 90.63% of patients reported no fecal or urinary incontinence episodes, respectively; 69.79% of patients did not have problems in work/school resumption or the personal sexual sphere. CONCLUSION: Quality of life following prophylactic surgery for these patients seems to be good when indirectly compared to HP-normative samples'. Young adult patients appear to quickly manage and adapt to changes in bowel functioning. A minority of patients may experience social and sexual issues.

What are the predictors of sexting behavior among adolescents? The positive youth development approach.

INTRODUCTION: Research supporting adolescent sexual health and empowerment is needed. The study investigates sexting among adolescents using the resources that characterized the Positive Youth Development Approach (PYD) and considering the impact of parental monitoring. The study aims to describe sexting among three different groups of adolescents (i.e., Non Sexters [NS], Passive Sexters [PS], and Active Sexters [AS]) considering age and sex (first aim). It also seeks to identify predictors among the PYD's resources and parental monitoring that explain the probability of falling into the sexter or the non sexter groups (second aim) as well as the probability of falling into the active or the passive sexter groups (third aim). METHOD: The national representative sample was composed of 1866 Italian adolescents: 980 girls and 886 boys aged between 13 and 19 years old (M = 16.26; SD = 1.49). Participants completed a questionnaire that measured sexting behavior, PYD resources, and parental monitoring scales. Chi-squared and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: Almost half of the participants (46.0%) were NS, 36.2% were PS, and 17.8% were AS. Results show that sex, age, Connection, and Child Disclosure are significant predictors of sexting behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlighted that sexting can be seen as a relational activity that adolescents use to establish connections as part as their sexual exploration. A parenting approach that promotes disclosure may help adolescents explore safely their sexuality and be accountable. Results also indicate that parents need to build educational alliances with schools to promote sexual health and empowerment among teenagers while preventing risk of harm.

A descriptive comparison of satisfaction and well-being between expander-based and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: The literature that has explored differences between direct-to-implant (DTI) and expander-based (EB) breast reconstruction has mainly focused on complications, with results not always unambiguous. Moreover, there are limited data 1) comparing DTI and EB breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and 2) from the patient's perspective. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare satisfaction and well-being in patients undergoing DTI and EB reconstruction after NSM in a Comprehensive Cancer Center, exploring what factors can be related to satisfaction and well-being. METHOD: The study design is monocentric, observational and retrospective. The participants completed an online questionnaire containing the Breast-Q and some socio-demographic variables (year of birth, level of education, civil status). Clinical information was obtained from the institutional database. Surgical techniques in the two branches of NSM were similar: all skin incisions, lateral to the areola; all implants, subpectoral (EB: conventionally submuscular; DTI: dual-plane pocket); all without synthetic mesh or acellular tissue matrix. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (45% with EB and 55% with DTI) completed the questionnaire. We found that there are no differences between EB and DTI concerning the satisfaction and well-being of NSM patients, except for satisfaction with information, which is greater in the DTI group. In EB patients, no variables among those explored are related to satisfaction and well-being. In DTI patients, level of education is positive related to satisfaction with implants and physical well-being, Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) and body mass index (BMI) are negative related to satisfaction with information and TNM also with satisfaction for plastic surgery. CONCLUSION: EB and DTI do not differ in terms of patient well-being, but EB requires a more careful counselling by the surgeon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .

Perceived knowledge on the ICNP© in undergraduate nursing students: the development of a scale.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate an instrument to assess nursing students' perceived knowledge on the International Classification for Nursing Practice. METHODS: The study design is an initial development of a scale by a longitudinal, prospective, monocentric study. An instrument, including a final pool of 6 items, was developed and through a Content Validity approved by experts. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were calculated in a sample of nursing students. RESULTS: The instrument demonstrated a CVI of 1.0. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.879. Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated one component, with a saturation of items in the range between 0.594 and 0.856. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the structure. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are needed, the preliminary analyses of the instrument suggest satisfaction in terms of content validity, factorial structure, and reliability. This instrument may rise interest in international nursing educational context.

Knowledge, use and attitudes of healthcare professionals towards patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at a comprehensive cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence of the positive impact of routine assessment of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), their systematic collection is not widely implemented in cancer care. AIM: To assess the knowledge, use and attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards PROMs and electronically collected PROMs (ePROMs) in clinical practice and research and to explore respondent-related factors associated with the above dimensions. METHOD: An ad hoc developed online survey was administered to all HCPs employed in clinical activity in an Italian comprehensive cancer center. The survey investigated which PROMs were known and used, as well as HCPs' opinions on the advantages and drawbacks of routine PROM assessment, including electronic assessment (ePROM). Linear and logistic regression models were used for association analyses. RESULTS: Five Hundred Eleven of nine hundred ninety-two invited HCPs (52%) provided analyzable responses. 68% were women, 46% were nurses and 42% physicians, and 52.5% had > 20 years seniority. The average number of PROMs known was six among 17 proposed. All proved to be under-used (< 28%) except unidimensional and multidimensional pain scales (77 and 36%). Respondents expressed an overall positive attitude towards PROMs, with strengths outweighing weaknesses (mean overall scores 3.6 and 2.9, respectively, on a 1-5 scale). 67% of respondents preferred electronic collection over paper and pencil. Profession was associated with knowledge and use (physicians reported knowing more PROMs than other professionals) and with a preference for electronic collection (nurses were less likely to prefer the electronic format than physicians). Senior HCPs were slightly more critical about both PROMs and electronic administration. CONCLUSIONS: This survey indicates an acceptable level of knowledge of common PROM tools but low usage in practice. Based on the generally positive attitude of HCPs, routine implementation of ePROMs can be promoted as long as adequate resources and training are provided. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not registered.

Expectations, experiences and preferences of patients and physicians in the informed consent process for clinical trials in oncology.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to explore (1) informed consent (IC) representations, level of understanding, needs, and factors that influence the willingness of cancer patients to participate in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (phase I) and (2) representations, experiences, and critical issues of physicians involved in the same process (phase II). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer patients who had been asked to enroll in a phase II/III RCT (phase I). Two focus groups were conducted with 13 physicians enrolled in the same process (phase II). The content produced was analyzed through a thematic analysis. RESULTS: The themes that emerged in the first phase I were grouped into six categories: IC representation, randomization, experimentation, meeting with the physician, factors that influence the willingness to participate, and trial participants' needs. The themes emerged in the phase II were grouped into four: IC representation, critical issues of the IC, relationship, and recruitment of trial participants. Each theme is articulated into sub-themes and deeply discussed. CONCLUSION: This study highlights (1) the gap between what is ethically demanded in a RCT consultation and the reality of the situation and (2) the difference in perceptions between patients and physicians with reference to the meaning, objectives, and level of understanding of IC.

Evaluation of the CNC® prosthetic system in recurrent breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), although generally reversible, is felt as extremely distressing by patients with breast cancer. A certified medical device (Capelli Naturali a Contatto®-CNC®) was produced to provide patients with a personalized scalp prosthesis, reproducing the patient's original hair, resistant to any type of everyday or sporting activity, and hairdressing. AIMS: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the CNC® device on the patient's perception of their body image, psychological wellbeing, satisfaction, strengths and weakness of the CNC® device. METHOD: A pilot study was carried out on 21 patients affected by CIA due to recurrent breast cancer. A mixed quantitative/qualitative method was used, including administering a questionnaire and a focus group. RESULTS: Based on the Body Image Scale, body image perception improved after 3 and 6 months using the device in the 20 patients who answered the questionnaire. No significant change over time emerged for the six dimensions investigated by the Italian version of the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The thematic analysis of the focus groups showed six themes: definition of the prosthetic device, acceptance of the proposal, experience with the conventional wig, strengths, weaknesses, economic issues. CONCLUSION: Compared to the previous experience of CIA and the standard wig, the use of the CNC® device improved everyday life and may be proposed to women undergoing chemotherapy and expecting alopecia to prevent discomfort, social embarrassment, and compromised body image.

Development of the palliative care referral system: proposal of a tool for the referral of cancer patients to specialized palliative care.

BACKGROUND: Early palliative care (PC) has shown beneficial effects for advanced cancer patients. However, it is still debated what criteria to use to identify patients for PC referral. AIM: To document the initial steps of the development of the Palliative Care Referral System (PCRS), a tool to be used by oncologists in clinical practice. METHODS: A multiprofessional working group developed the PCRS based on the results of a scoping literature review on PC referral criteria. PCRS criteria were evaluated by experts via a nominal group technique (NGT). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize expert scores on relevance, appropriateness and perceived feasibility of the criteria proposed. Quotations of participants during the discussion were also reported. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, including PC referral criteria/tools, emerged from the scoping review. Severe symptoms, poor performance status, comorbidities and prognosis were the most commonly used criteria. The PCRS included nine major criteria and nine assessment methods; a scoring procedure was also proposed. Answers to the questionnaire during the NGT showed that five criteria reached full agreement on all items, while four did not, and were then discussed within the group. Participants agreed on the relevance of all criteria and on the appropriateness of methods proposed to assess most of them, while issues were raised about potential feasibility of the overall assessment of the PCRS in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The PCRS has been developed as an help for oncologists to timely identify patients for specialized PC referral. Since feasibility emerged as the main concern, implementation strategies have to be tested in subsequent studies.

A Qualitative Study on the Needs of Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Few studies have investigated the needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and none have been conducted in Italy. Three categories of needs have been identified from the literature: information, support, and practical resources. The present study aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of the patients' needs related to the MBC care pathway. In-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed by thematic analysis. The participants were 9 women with MBC (age range 36-74) who were enrolled at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionalde dei tumori, in Milan. The analysis enabled us to identify four themes (which reflect the needs of the participants), each divided into numerous sub-themes: (1) the need for clinical recognition, (2) the need for more attention from healthcare professionals, (3) the need for more and better services to be available at the hospital, (4) the need for specific public health policies. Since the metastatic phase of breast cancer seems to elicit additional, specific needs and multi-level management, changes in attitudes and multidisciplinary practices should be tested in order to ascertain how these needs can be met.

Aromatase Inhibitors in Postmenopausal Women with Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Profiles of Psychological Symptoms and Quality of Life in Different Patient Clusters.

BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) as adjuvant therapy after breast cancer (BC) surgery have demonstrated to reduce the risk of disease recurrence, to lower the risk of contralateral BC, and to improve survival when compared to tamoxifen in patients with limited-stage hormone receptor-positive (HR+) BC. However, AIs are associated with adverse events that can have a significant impact on patient quality of life (QoL). AIM: This study aimed to identify profiles of psychological symptoms and QoL in HR+ BC patients undergoing AI therapy. METHOD: Data were collected with questionnaires administered at three time points: AI initiation (t0); 3 months after AI initiation (t1); and 6 months after AI initiation (t2). The FACT-G, FACT-B, and FACT-ES questionnaires were used to assess QoL; psychological symptoms were assessed using the SCL-90-R. RESULTS: 43 women were enrolled in the study (t0), and 37 completed the t1 evaluation and 29 the t2 evaluation. We found (1) a progressive decrease over time in FACT-G and FACT-ES scores, in particular in the Physical, Emotional, and Endocrine subscales, and an increase in the SOM (somatization) subscale of the SCL-90-R; (2) the presence of 4 clusters related to different psychological symptoms and QoL evolution over time; (3) that patients belonging to the cluster characterized by worsening symptoms and QoL during time differed from the others in the Emotional subscale of the FACT-B and in the GSI (Global Score), OCD (obsessive-compulsive), DEP (depression), ANX (anxiety), and SLP (sleep disorders) dimensions of the SCL-90-R and had significantly higher BMI levels; and (4) that 3 items from the SCL-90-R and 2 items from FACT Emotional Well-Being subscale were predictive of the "worst" cluster. CONCLUSIONS: Although larger studies are needed to confirm these results, our data open up new ways of investigation into the effects of AIs on QoL in HR+ BC patients.

Measurement of Family Management in Families of Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Cross-Cultural Investigation.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability worldwide. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the internal consistency reliability of eight language versions of the Family Management Measure (FaMM) and compare family management of DS across cultures. A total of 2,740 parents of individuals with DS from 11 countries completed the FaMM. The analysis provided evidence of internal consistency reliability exceeding .70 for four of six FaMM scales for the entire sample. Across countries, there was a pattern of positive family management. Cross-cultural comparisons revealed parents from Brazil, Spain, and the United States had the most positive family management and respondents from Ireland, Italy, Japan, and Korea had the least positive. The rankings were mixed for the four remaining countries. These findings provide evidence of overall strong internal consistency reliability of the FaMM. More cross-cultural research is needed to understand how social determinants of health influence family management in families of individuals with DS.

Risk-reducing surgery in BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers: Are there factors associated with the choice?

OBJECTIVE: Female carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations (BRCAm) are at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The main prevention options currently available consist in either clinical-radiological surveillance or risk-reducing surgery. This study investigated factors that might influence the choice of risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and/or salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) over surveillance in high-risk women. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight BRCAm women, 75 (58.60%) cancer affected (C-A) and 53 (41.40%) cancer-unaffected (C-UN), completed a baseline questionnaire concerning socio-demographic factors, personal medical history, cancer family history, and psychological dimensions. Preferences about prevention strategies were evaluated after 15 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between these factors and the choice of RRSO or RRM in the whole cohort and the choice of surgery (RRM and/or RRSO) in C-A and C-UN women. RESULTS: The analyses on the whole cohort highlighted factors associated with the choice of both RRM and RRSO ("cancer concern," "previous therapeutic mastectomy," and "number of cancer-affected family members"), but also a few specifically associated with either RRM (age) or RRSO ("health" and "energy" perception and "number of children"). Surgery was more likely to be chosen by C-A (76%) than C-UN women (34%). With the exception of "cancer concern," factors associated with the choice of surgery were different between C-A ("number of deaths for cancer in the family" and "feeling downhearted and blue") and C-UN ("number of children" and "health perception") women. CONCLUSION: This study highlights potential drivers underlying the choice of preventive surgery, which should be considered when supporting the decision-making process in these women.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes of blood donation: A multicentre study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors involved in the blood donation (BD) in a population of Italian nursing students (NSs). BACKGROUND: Young people are still numerically limited among potential blood donors. Recent research on this topic has underlined the need to promote recruitment programmes and focused advertising campaigns to specific targeted population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. The STROBE checklist was used to grant adequate and complete reporting of research. METHODS: The study was carried out in five Italian Universities, and a structured, 22-item questionnaire was distributed to 532 NSs (mean age = 24.64, SD = 7.41, min = 19; max = 55; population, female = 80.8% of total) to explore propensity, obstacles, knowledge of BD and to assess associations between variables. Descriptive (frequency, mean and SD) and inferential (χ2 ) statistics were conducted. RESULTS: The overall level of knowledge among NSs donors is high, when compared with non-donors (p < 0.05); the propensity for donation is acceptable (34.8% of the total are donors; mean = 3.17 donation). The obstacles perceived by participants are "practical" (20% and 22.8% think they do not have enough time to donate or are unsuitable because of lifestyle reasons; respectively). A relevant aspect regards the NSs' perceived role as future healthcare professionals to be responsible to educate and influence potential donors (81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Specifically tailored BD campaigning should be implemented to sensitise University students. NSs could become effective motivators among students of different Universities or faculties. Thanks to their role and capability to put themselves in the peer group. NSs could contribute to the promotion of this selfless practice and to the development of a mature, responsible civic attitude. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing educators should play a pivotal role in developing teaching methods to promote BD among NSs.

Patterns of Alcohol Use in Italian Emerging Adults: A Latent Class Analysis Study.

AIMS: The goals of the current study were to identify latent classes of alcohol users among Italian emerging adults (18-33 years), examine differences in the class solution based on socio-demographic characteristics, and examine whether differences exist across classes in experiencing different types of alcohol-related negative consequences. METHODS: Participants (N = 5955; 62.72% female; mean age 27.19 years) were drawn from a pre-recruited Web panel designed to be representative of the Italian young adults (18-33 years) population. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify common patterns of alcohol use. RESULTS: Four classes of drinking patterns were identified: (a) Current Nondrinkers (15%); (b) Weekend Non-Risky Drinkers (51%); (c) Weekend Risky Drinkers (20%); and (d) Daily Drinkers (13%). The number and type of classes did not differ across several demographic variables, although proportions within classes varied by sex, age, occupation status and geographic area. Weekend Risky Drinkers experienced the greatest number of alcohol-related negative consequences. CONCLUSIONS: The great majority of the sample displayed drinking patterns with relatively infrequent involvement in risky drinking. Preventive interventions should, instead, target those who drink alcohol on weekends only, but show the greatest negative consequences. SHORT SUMMARY: Four classes of drinking patterns were identified in a large representative sample of Italian young adults. The great majority of the sample displayed drinking patterns with relatively little involvement in risky drinking, though those misusing alcohol at weekends were at greatest risk to experience alcohol-related negative consequences.

Representations and motivations of blood donation in adolescence through a mixed method approach.

BACKGROUND: Scientific literature on blood donation is prevalently concentrated on adults, leaving out adolescents almost completely. While the latter represents "ideal" candidates, they constitute, however, the segment of the population least present among blood donors. OBJECTIVES: The present work, composed of two studies, proposes looking into the representations that the adolescents have of blood donation and give voice to the motivations that could persuade them to becoming donors once they reach the legal age for donation. Study I aims to investigate adolescents' representations about the world of blood donation. Study II aims to investigate a) the underlying motivations for blood donations and b) the relationship between motivations and propensity to donate. MATERIALS/METHODS: This paper is based on a mixed methods research design. In Study I, five focus groups were conducted comprising a total of 25 adolescents; for Study II, a self-report questionnaire was administered to 285 adolescents. RESULTS: Study I reveals a lack of information for everything regarding donation, something that produces fear, false beliefs, and an idealized image of the donor. Study II shows that for males, social motivations are fundamental while ego-protective motivations are deterrents, and that females are most impacted by understanding. CONCLUSION: The study shows how the adolescent population cannot be recruited in the same way as adults, and presents valuable points for those who finalize advertising campaigns for donor recruitment recruitment.

"Just" blood donors? A study on the multi-affiliations of blood donors.

BACKGROUND: The present work proposes to explore a phenomenon well known in the world of blood donation, but little explored by literature: multi-affiliations. By that term, in this paper we mean blood donors' engagement in multiple associations of various natures (donation, recreation, sports, etc.) simultaneously. The first objective proposes to explore the phenomenon of multi-affiliations in descriptive terms; the second is to look into the differences-in terms of motivations, family-work-volunteerism reconciliation, life satisfaction, and membership satisfaction-between those who "only" carry out blood donation activity and those who instead participate in multiple associative realities concurrently. METHOD: Participating in the research were 2674 donors from the Italian Association of Blood Donors (AVIS) (age range 18-65; 66.6% male) to which a self-report questionnaire was administered in the waiting rooms of numerous blood donation centers. RESULTS: Regarding the first objective, it emerged that only 35.9% of the participants "only" donate blood, while a good 64.1% is engaged also in other associations. Regarding the second objective, statistically significant differences emerge regarding many of the variables considered: social, values, ego-protection, and career motivation; capacity to reconcile family-volunteering and work-volunteering; life satisfaction; and membership satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The study offers precious information to the agencies that handle recruiting and retaining of donors. The agencies in fact can take away information on how to improve the multi-affiliations of their donors, an aspect that can facilitate their long-term retention.

Paroxysmal atrioventricular block after heart transplantation in children: an early sign of rejection?

In OHT recipients, pathologic evaluation of the heart during acute rejection can show involvement of both the conduction system and the myocardium. We here describe the cases of a 9-year-old male with DCM and a 13-year-old female with RCM, who developed third-degree PAVB associated with acute rejection 36 months and 24 months after OHT, respectively. We conclude that PAVB could be considered an early sign of acute rejection after OHT in children who exhibit post-transplantation presyncope or syncope.

Economic crisis and blood donation: How are donors' motivations changing?

BACKGROUND: The economic crisis has exasperated people's feelings of loneliness; job instability often does not allow people to commit to voluntary work. The present work proposes to examine whether the motivations to donate blood have changed before and during the period of economic crisis, taking into consideration donors' gender. We adopted Omoto & Snyder's functionalist approach, which states that blood donation serves different functions for any one person, who may have different motivations from those held by other people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared six-year pre-post (t1 "pre-crisis": 2008 - t2 "during the crisis": 2014) data on a sample of blood donors in a single blood donation center situated in Northern Italy. T-test was used for data analysis. Three hundred thirty donors (age range 18-60, M = 32.6, SD = 9.53; 54.5% male) were administered a survey at t1 and 444 (age range 18-60, M = 37.8, SD = 10.16; 68% male) six years later at t2. In both surveys, participants were administered a questionnaire with socio-demographic items and a version of Omoto & Snyder's Motivations to Volunteer scale adapted to blood donation. RESULTS: Donors' motivation priorities did not vary over time. Values and Self-enhancement motivations are the most prevalent. Knowledge and Ego-protection motivations decreased with the upsurge of the crisis. Women, in general, report higher mean values than men do for Values and Ego-protection motivations. CONCLUSION: These results can offer valuable clues for the agencies that manage blood collection.