Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background. Sero-reactivity disclosure to blood donors is an important issue of public domain. The sensitivity of situation demands both confidential as well as trust laden atmosphere while notifying them. Our aim was to assess and analyze the response rate of sero-reactive donors towards post-donation notification and counselling. Material and methods. Donors reactive for any transfusion transmitted infections were notified of their results and called to blood bank for counseling (January 2016 to December 2017). The notification process included one postal and two telephonic communications. Their privacy was maintained throughout the whole process. Responders were counseled by the medical officer and subsequently referred to the concerned specialty for further management. Results. Among 30,343 voluntary blood donors (96% males) 65.2% (n = 19 784) were repeat donors. Total 0.42% (n = 129) cases with reactive screening test results (0.30% HBV; 0.06% HIV; 0.006% HCV; 0.04% syphilis and 0.006% malaria) were evaluated. Prevalence of HBV and HIV were higher among first time donors (0.61% and 0.12%) than in repeat donors (0.14% and 0.02%) respectively (p = 0.002). Overall 58% (n = 75/129) donors responded to notification and counseling. Response among repeat donors (67.5% [n = 27/40]) versus first time donors (54.0% [n = 48/89]) was better and statistically significant (p = 0.05). The response rate for Malaria, HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV was 100%, 78%, 77%, 51% and 50%, respectively. Inaccurate donor demographics (wrong address and phone number) resulted in our inability to notify 11.6% (n = 15) cases. Major factors hindering the response rate were donors’ inability to be present for a post-test discussion either due to far distance (> 100 miles) and/or their busy schedule. Conclusion. Good response was noted among repeat blood donors. Donor education and repeated attempts to communicate with the sero-reactive donors would improve the response rate.
Source: Via Medica Journals
Authors: Manish Raturi, Shamee Shastry, Pruthvi Raj
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2946443567