Habits, hassle, and health : how do blood donors respond to a temporary deferral due to low haemoglobin?
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis explored the impact on whole blood donors of a six month deferral from giving \nblood due to a low haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. The aims were two-fold: first, to \nquantify the effect of a temporary deferral on donation patterns once eligible to return, and \nsecond, to identify the processes contributing to the effect. The mixed methods design \nutilised four distinct research phases: statistical analysis of donation patterns over a three \nyear period, surveys of whole blood donors three and twelve months after deferral, and \nsemi-structured interviews with 25 blood donors in the weeks immediately following \ndeferral. \nDeferral for a low Hb increased the likelihood of non-return in both new and repeat donors, \nand, amongst those who did return, delayed first return, reduced donation frequency and \nincreased the likelihood of drop-out in later years. \nQualitative interviews suggested that, predominantly, individuals give blood because it \nrepresents an easy and convenient way to help others, and provides additional rewards, such \nas enhancing positive self-concepts and a free health check. Returning promptly after \ndeferral appears to be related to three aspects of a person and his/her context: an \nindividual’s other obligations, especially parenting; the extent to which donation is \nconsidered personally rewarding; and whether donation arrangements were facilitated by a \nrange of supports prior to deferral. \nOver three quarters of surveyed deferred donors seek further advice and investigations from \ntheir medical practitioner and nearly half of those are encouraged to change their donation \npatterns. With the exception of having a low haemoglobin level confirmed at follow-up \ntesting, experiences seeking further investigations were not associated with either intentions \nor return. \nTriangulation of findings suggests that deferral disrupts the habit of regular donation, and \nthat this disruption makes donors more vulnerable to changes to their personal \ncircumstances or collection practices. Deferral may also increase the perceived \ninconvenience of the activity, decrease self-perceptions of competence and good health, and \ndiminish the “blood donor” identity. \nPractical implications of these findings are recommendations that may increase retention of \ndeferred donors, including encouraging donors to return promptly once eligible, enhancing \nthe convenience of blood donation, and improving aspects of the deferral event.
Author: Tessa Hillgrove
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2571627644