Blood donation motivators and barriers reported by young, first‐time whole blood donors: Examining the association of reported motivators and barriers with subsequent donation behavior and potential sex, race, and ethnic group differences

Abstract

Background: A greater understanding of young, first-time donor motivators and barriers is needed to address the ongoing challenge of retaining these essential donors. Study Design and Methods: Structured interviews conducted with 508 young, first-time whole blood donors [66.1% female; Mean Age = 19.4 (SD = 2.5) years] were coded to identify reported motivators and barriers. Reported motivators and barriers were then examined for their association with attempted donation behavior over a 14-month follow-up, and for potential sex, race, and ethnic group differences in the frequency of endorsement.Results: Prosocial motivation (e.g., altruism) was the most commonly reported motivator and fear (e.g., fainting, needles) was the most commonly reported barrier. Donation behavior was unrelated to reported motivators, but was significantly related to four reported barriers including fear of fainting/dizziness, fear of needles/pain, having personal commitments that conflict with donating, and perceiving oneself as unsuited to donate for health reasons. Sex, racial, and ethnic differences were noted with respect to the percentages of donors reporting several donation-related motivators and barriers. Conclusion:The present findings identify donation-related barriers that could be important targets to address in the effort to encourage new young donors and to retain these new donors for the long term. Importantly, these data also

The use of mixed reality technology within the donor collection experience

“…Furthermore, reaction symptoms have a negative impact on return rates in FTDs, young donors, and female donors. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Thus, finding strategies to reduce blood donor anxiety has potential benefits. Drawing upon the success of VR platforms in reducing anxiety during needle insertion procedures, [19][20][21] we believe our data support the use of MR in the blood donor setting through reduction in perceived anxiety while remaining feasible and safe.…”

“…Strategies to reduce donor anxiety and fear are important since anxiety and fear are major deterrents to blood donation. [7][8][9][10] In one study, 47.4% of FTDs between 16 and 24 yo reported fear as a primary barrier to donation most commonly a fear of a reaction or needles/pain. 7 This pilot showed that a fear of pain, needles, fainting, and how one may feel post-donation were the most common causes of pre-donation anxiety.…”

“…[7][8][9][10] In one study, 47.4% of FTDs between 16 and 24 yo reported fear as a primary barrier to donation most commonly a fear of a reaction or needles/pain. 7 This pilot showed that a fear of pain, needles, fainting, and how one may feel post-donation were the most common causes of pre-donation anxiety. Higher baseline anxiety in FTDs can cause a decreased confidence in donation and a negative donation attitude, which leads to a lower intention to donate.…”

“…Multiple studies have demonstrated that donationrelated fear and anxiety are a major deterrent for blood donation, cause attrition, and increase the likelihood of needle pain and vasovagal reactions. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In healthcare, virtual reality (VR) platforms have been an effective strategy to reduce anxiety and pain via distraction during a variety of procedures including blood draws and intravenous (IV) catheter placement. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Pediatric patients who used immersive VR during peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) placement had significantly lower post-PIVC pain scores and post-PIVC anxiety scores compared to patients in the standard care group.…”

“…Multiple studies have demonstrated that donation‐related fear and anxiety are a major deterrent for blood donation, cause attrition, and increase the likelihood of needle pain and vasovagal reactions 6–14 . In healthcare, virtual reality (VR) platforms have been an effective strategy to reduce anxiety and pain via distraction during a variety of procedures including blood draws and intravenous (IV) catheter placement 15–23 .…”