A survey of Chinese regular blood donors who were enrolled into an iron replenishment program – A hint for dietary factors

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Concern on donors' health and safety is growing in importance in many countries. One of the key issues is related to low body iron store in regular blood donors that some countries have advocated iron supplementation in addition to education. A survey was performed to look at the dietary factors in blood donors under an iron replenishment program in Hong Kong. The objectives of this survey were to evaluate the possible causes for iron deficiency and evaluate the effectiveness of education and iron supplementation program. Methods: A pre- and post- health education survey was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an iron replenishment program addressing iron deficiency among regular blood donors. Eligible donors were invited to attend a health education held by a registered nurse after predonation hemoglobin test. A questionnaire was used to ask donors on their dietary habit, knowledge on iron deficiency, and iron supplement. Results: Of 428 participants, male donors preferred eating out for breakfast (P = 0.003) and lunch (P = 0.0005) than females. Those donors who preferred eating out were also likely to have higher frequency of taking tea or coffee (P = 0.0005). When compared the donors' knowledge and confident level in taking iron replacement, significance was identified between genders and pre- and posthealth education. An affirmative donor satisfaction toward the nursing support and the iron replenishment program was also observed. Conclusion: The study result provided an insight into the possible dietary factors. The positive outcome of the health education warrants further planning of educational strategies to address the gender difference but also to achieve a better effect from iron replenishment.

Keywords

• blood donation
• blood donor
• dietary iron intake
• health education
• iron supplement