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Factors Affecting the Return of First-time Blood Donors after Temporary Deferral�

22nd November 2022

Dr Amy Nursoraya Norhan

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Moze T.1, Abdul Karim F.2, Hami R.3, Tuan Din SA. 3,*

National Blood Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia�

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  • Blood donation in Malaysia is practiced as voluntary non-remunerated.
  • However, recruiting and retaining blood donors remain a challenge in the transfusion service.
  • The main aim of this study was to understand the factors affecting the return of first-time blood donors.

INTRODUCTION

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  • Study design & sampling:
    • Retrospective study
    • Involving 480 first-time temporarily deferred whole blood donors from National Blood Centre (NBC), Kuala Lumpur.
    • Data of donors who were deferred from 2010 to 2014 were extracted from the Blood Bank Information System

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METHODOLOGY

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Inclusion Criteria:

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Exclusion Criteria:

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    • All first-time donors were extracted from the total list.
    • Using the new list of all first-time temporarily deferred donors, every eighth subject was extracted until 480 names have been collected.
    • These names were further divided into two groups, namely, the returned donors and those who did not return.
    • Phone calls were made to the selected donors and questions were asked based on a set of questions.

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      • Autologous donors and donors who were deferred for more than six months or permanently deferred were not included in this study.

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    • Statistical Analysis:
      • The data collected from questionnaires and BBIS�were used for analysis.
      • The questionnaire answers were categorized into motivating and hindering factors and other variables were analyzed.
      • Socio demographic characteristics of all cases were tabulated for descriptive statistics.�

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Results

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Results:

1. Sociodemographic Factors

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Results:

1. Sociodemographic Factors

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2. Motivating Factors

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2.Hindering Factors

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Discussion

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Sociodemographic Factors

  • Younger generation up to middle-aged donors contributed to a higher number of returns for a second blood donation.�- Exposed to blood donations at school, hence increased awareness

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The proportion of female donors who returned for donation following first time deferral was significantly higher than male donors.

    • Attributed to the causes f or temporary deferral, such as lactation, low level of Hb, and menstruation.
    • These are modifiable reasons – can resume donation after deferral period

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  • Professionals contributed to a higher percentage of return rate, followed by students.
  • As professionals, their level of awareness and education levels might have help them understand the importance of donating blood and encourage them to donate.

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  • Most donors who returned for blood donation came from urban areas.
  • Most blood donation drives are organized in urban areas.
  • Common sites: shopping malls, offices (government, private, and others), and colleges.

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Motivating & Hindering Factors

Motivating Factors

Hindering Factors

Self Satisfaction (29.9%)

Lack of Time (28.5%)

Social Contribution (28.9%)

Loss of Interest (20.8%)

Peer Influence (13.9%)

Unaware of donation site (14.2%)

Altruism (11.1%)

Scared of being deferred (17.9%)

Family Encouragement (11.0%)

No Incentive (7.9%)

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Conclusion & Recommendations

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  • Focusing on potential donors who are in younger generation, single, professional and lives in urban area will be the primary target to ensure undisrupted supply and sufficient stock all around the year.

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  • More mobile blood donation drives should be done to encourage blood donors with a busy lifestyle to donate at their workplace or a nearby place.

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  • Encourage Professional to advocate on the importance and benefits of voluntary blood donation.

https://www.redcross.sg/news-stories/stories/380-a-blood-donor-now-an-advocate.html

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  • Among governmental or private offices simple pamphlets or handouts should be distributed.

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  • Government policy makers should come forward and donate as role modal

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Encourage Group Donation

Group Donation by Kelington Group Berhad at St John Ambulance Blood Donation Suite One Utama Mall

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  • Awareness regarding blood donation should be focused on rural areas.
  • This study has identified that the top three motivating factors are self-satisfaction, social contribution, and peer influence

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2022 into 2023��Where are we now?

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PUSAT DARAH NEGARA

Month

Total Number of Deferred First Time Donors

Total Number of Deferred First Time Donors That Return For 2nd Donation

First Time Deferred Donor Retention Percentage

July-19

2836

413

14.56%

Aug-19

2642

399

15.10%

Sep-19

3201

395

12.34%

Oct-19

2727

333

12.21%

Nov-19

3376

468

13.86%

Dec-19

3300

633

19.18%

TOTAL

18082

2641

14.60%

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Vigorous Promotional Effort

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In a Nutshell

Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of the presenter and makes no representation of that of Pusat Darah Negara, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia and other Governing Bodies.

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  • We are on a good track but we should not sit in our laurels
  • The continuous effort for improvement of Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) should be maintained, in order to ensure a steady supply of blood products

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  • Continue the consistent Educational & Promotional effort to ensure awareness regarding the importance of blood donation in our society.
  • Continuous training and advocacy should be done to improve - Professionalism, Integrity & Hospitality in order to increase donor satisfaction and retention.
  • Continue the great effort in improving staff welfare, occupational safety and work satisfaction.
  • Happier Staffs 🡪 Better Service 🡪 Happier Donors

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Thank you