Demographics of first‐time donors returning for donation during the pandemic: COVID‐19 convalescent plasma versus standard blood product donors

Abstract

Background Previous studies have demonstrated low first‐time donor return rates (DRR) following catastrophic events. Little is known, however, about the influence of demographic factors on the DRR of first‐time donors during the COVID‐19 pandemic, including the unique motivation of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors as compared to non‐CCP donors. Study Design and Methods Thirteen blood collection organizations submitted deidentified data from first‐time CCP and non‐CCP donors returning for regular (non‐CCP) donations during the pandemic. DRR was calculated as frequencies. Demographic factors associated with returning donors: race/ethnicity, gender, and generation (Gen Z: 19–24, Millennial: 25–40, Gen X: 41–56, and Boomer: ≥57 years old), within the CCP and non‐CCP first‐time cohorts were compared using chi‐square test at p < .05 statistical significance. Results From March 2020 through December 2021, there were a total of 44,274 first‐time CCP and 980,201 first‐time non‐CCP donors. DRR were 14.6% (range 11.9%–43.3%) and 46.6% (range 10.0%–76.9%) for CCP and non‐CCP cohorts, respectively. Age over 40 years (Gen X and Boomers), female gender, and White race were each associated with higher return in both donor cohorts (p < .001). For the non‐CCP return donor cohort, the Millennial and Boomers were comparable. Conclusion The findings demonstrate differences in returning donor trends between the two donor cohorts. The motivation of a first‐time CCP donor may be different than that of a non‐CCP donor. Further study to improve first‐time donor engagement would be worthwhile to expand the donor base with a focus on blood donor diversity emphasizing engagement of underrepresented minorities and younger donors.

Changes in transfusion‐transmissible infection prevalence and demographics among US blood donors during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…These donors also had differing demographics and characteristics than typical blood donors. 8 One change in donor demographics is more straightforward: the drop in donations from school-aged donors. The closure of schools and colleges during the early part of the pandemic reduced school-based blood drives, which likely explains the decrease in donations from these age groups.…”

“…Many donors donated CCP during the pandemic as a result of slightly different recruitment strategies and their own motivation for this specific need compared to traditional blood donation; thus, we removed these donations from our comparisons. These donors also had differing demographics and characteristics than typical blood donors 8 . One change in donor demographics is more straightforward: the drop in donations from school‐aged donors.…”