Determinants Of Intention To Return To Donate Blood Among First-Time Blood Donors In Ghana

Objective This study seeks to identify factors that are predictive of intention to return to donate blood among first-time blood donors.Methods A cross-sectional survey of 505 first-time blood donors, selected from blood donation sessions across three regions in Ghana. Data were obtained on their intention to donate blood in the next four months, factors that would influence this decision. Logistic regression models were used to test factors that were predictive of intention to return.Results First-time donors were young with 87 center dot 4% below 35 years of age, male (72 center dot 5%), single (73 center dot 3%), Christian (93 center dot 7%), employed (58 center dot 8%), with at least a basic education (98%). Factors that positively predicted intention to return included: motivational incentives (OR = 1 center dot 67, 95%CI: 1 center dot 01-2 center dot 78; P = 0 center dot 045); ease of access to the donation site (OR = 2 center dot 65, 95%CI: 1 center dot 48-4 center dot 73; P = 0 center dot 001); SMS and email reminders (OR = 2 center dot 84, 95%CI: 1 center dot 60-5 center dot 06; P < 0 center dot 001); and television, radio or newspaper advertisements (OR = 2 center dot 97, 95%CI: 1 center dot 66-5 center dot 31; P < 0 center dot 001). Factors that negatively predicted intention included preferential access to transfusions (i.e. 'blood credits') (OR = 0 center dot 43, 95%CI: 0 center dot 23-0 center dot 83; P = 0 center dot 012); getting to know test results (OR = 0 center dot 40, 95%CI: 0 center dot 20-0 center dot 80; P = 0 center dot 010); and not knowing and/or trusting what happens to the blood after donating (OR = 0 center dot 50, 95%CI: 0 center dot 28-0 center dot 88; P = 0 center dot 016).Conclusion Motivational incentives, convenient access to donation sessions, reminders and mass media advertisements appear to positively influence intention to return to donate. Conversely not knowing what happens to the blood after donation negatively influenced intention to return. Interventions to promote repeat blood donation should consider the identified factors.