Factors Associated with Intention to Donate Hematopoietic Stem Cells among Blood Donors

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Past studies pay little attention to the intention to donate hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) among blood donors. This study investigated the level of and the influence of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy on the intention to donate HSC among blood donors. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This cross-sectional study recruited blood donors at selected public hospitals in the Malaysian State of Sarawak in 2019. A structured questionnaire was developed based on the review of relevant literature. It gathered information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy on the intention to donate HSC. Variables with a <i>p</i> value <0.200 in bivariate analysis were included in the variable selection for regression modeling to examine their associations with the intention to donate HSC. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 569 blood donors participated (94.5% response rate). Overall, 87.1% reported a positive intention to donate HSC. In the regression model, the factor with the greatest association with intention to donate HSC was subjective norms about HSC donation (β = 0.35, 95% CI 0.27–0.42), followed by attitude about regulations of HSC donation (β= 0.21, 95% CI 0.13–0.35), self-efficacy on HSC donation (β = 0.15, 95% CI 0.09–0.32), attitude about the potential side effects of HSC donation (β = 0.14, 95% CI 0.02–0.10) and highest education level (β = 0.10, 95% CI 0.03–0.44). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The findings can be used to formulate a better strategy in promoting HSC donation among blood donors in the region.

A review of whole‐blood donors' willingness, motives, barriers and interventions related to donating another substance of human origin

“…>11 years education was significantly associated with regular blood donors' willingness to donate stem cells 29,30 . Blood donor's intentions to donate stem cells were significantly associated with greater perceived social support for stem cell donation, more positive attitudes towards regulation, less concern about potential side‐effects, and feeling more capable to donate stem cells 32 …”

“…>Social support, positive attitude to regulation, less concern for side effects, feeling capable increased intention 32 …”

“…16 However, over 18-months, new (16%) versus experienced (53%) blood donors had lower rates of return to plasma donation, and regular versus new blood donors had higher rates of return to donate plasma (M = 4.1 vs. 1.2 times). 18 3.3.2 | Stem cell (12 studies; 20-32 2004, 2011-2021) Willingness Approximately half of blood donors 29,30 to >80% 24,32 were willing to donate stem cells.…”

An undergraduate service-learning project to teach immunology concepts while increasing healthcare equity by enhancing access to stem cell donors among underrepresented populations

“…HCT from younger donors generally has more success ( 5 ), and earlier registration provides more time on the registry. Populations with higher levels of education ( 6 , 7 ) or knowledge about blood diseases and/or transplantation ( 8 – 10 ) are more likely to donate. Registration requires a cheek swab, and distrust of medical workers may decrease the likelihood of individuals to donate DNA samples ( 6 ), so seeing BtM volunteers who are peers or ingroup members may increase willingness to register.…”

Assessing the cognition, attitudes and intentions of volunteers regarding unrelated peripheral blood stem cell donation: The UPBSC-DQ instrument in Chinese

“…Questionnaires are the most commonly used tool because they are reliable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use in a short time for a large number of people. Previous studies have assessed related factors (e.g., donation of blood products, medical history of blood cancer) of HSC donation among volunteers [ 13 ]. It is urgent to explore deeper influencing factors related to individuals, families, health care systems and governments to identify targets for promoting UPBSCD.…”