Motivators of and barriers to becoming a COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donor: A survey study

Abstract

Objectives To determine the motivators and barriers to COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donation by those in the United Kingdom who have been diagnosed with or who have had symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) but who have not donated. Background Convalescent plasma from people recovered from COVID‐19 with sufficient antibody titres is a potential option for the treatment and prevention of COVID‐19. However, to date, recruiting and retaining COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors has been challenging. Understanding why those eligible to donate COVID‐19 convalescent plasma have not donated is critical to developing recruitment campaigns. Methods/Materials A total of 419 UK residents who indicated that they had been infected with COVID‐19 and who lived within 50 km of sites collecting COVID‐19 convalescent plasma completed an online survey between 25th June and 5th July 2020. Respondents completed items assessing their awareness of convalescent plasma, motivations and barriers to donation and intention to donate COVID‐19 convalescent plasma. Results Awareness of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma was low. Exploratory factor analysis identified six motivations and seven barriers to donating. A stronger sense of altruism through adversity and moral and civic duty were positively related to intention to donate, whereas generic donation fears was negatively related. Conclusions Once potential donors are aware of convalescent plasma, interventions should focus on the gratitude and reciprocity that those eligible to donate feel, along with a focus on (potentially) helping family and norms of what people ought to do. Fears associated with donation should not be neglected, and strategies that have been successfully used tor recruit whole‐blood donors should be adapted and deployed to recruit COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors.

Investigation of hesitancy to donate plasma among COVID-19 survivors in Goa: an online survey

“…The awareness about CCP donation was higher in the state of Goa (96.4%)as compared to findings of Masser et al who reported that only 34.3% had heard of CCP. 21 In spite of having such high level of awareness, the percentage of COVID-19 plasma donors was very less (4.5%), Masser et al found that only one study participant had donated plasma. 21 Among those who had not donated plasma, the willingness to donate plasma was 49.1%, which is lower than reported by Dhiman et al (72.8%).…”

“…21 In spite of having such high level of awareness, the percentage of COVID-19 plasma donors was very less (4.5%), Masser et al found that only one study participant had donated plasma. 21 Among those who had not donated plasma, the willingness to donate plasma was 49.1%, which is lower than reported by Dhiman et al (72.8%). 22 Around 10.5% of the study population thought that they were ineligible for CCP donation, which is consistent with the findings of Masser et al who found that 9.9% of the study participants believed that they were ineligible for CCP donation.…”

“…22 Around 10.5% of the study population thought that they were ineligible for CCP donation, which is consistent with the findings of Masser et al who found that 9.9% of the study participants believed that they were ineligible for CCP donation. 21 The most profound reasons for not willing to donate CCP were; skepticism about effectiveness of CPT, fear of reinfection, anxiety associated with plasma donation, not fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The study findings are consistent with the findings of Mahapatra et al reported that 31% donors who came for CCP donation changed their mind due to doubts, fears, apprehensions of getting infected.…”

“…23 Masser et al concluded that the fears were negatively associated with plasma donation. 21 There were other reasons such as the media news about the ineffectiveness of the convalescent plasma therapy, not fully recovered from COVID-19, low hemoglobin level. There is a greater need to address some of the misconceptions surrounding the CCP donations.…”

Prospective approach to manage COVID-19-related cytokine storm; an updated review on current concepts

“…The convalescent plasma from recovered individuals with sufficient antibody titers has been attracted attention as a therapeutic option (68). There are many ongoing clinical trials in this regard; for example, RESCUE is an ongoing clinical trial to evaluate convalescent plasma's efficacy and safety in treating old-aged adults with SARS-CoV-2.…”