Bioingeniøren (Feb 2018)
The importance of various methods in recruiting blood donors
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide knowledge about various methods by which blood donors are recruited to the Blood bank. It was investigated whether methods of recruitment were influenced by demographics or if they were changed over time. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire given to 1498 donors. Donors were stratified into 1 of 3 recruitment groups: recruited by friends/colleagues, recruited by family and recruited by other methods (Red Cross webpage, media, recruitment campaigns, Facebook). To assess changes over time, donors were grouped into five periods: 1978-90, 1991-2000, 2001-05, 2006-10 and 2011-15. Results: Compared to the group that was recruited by friends/colleagues, the group that was recruited by family had a significantly higher percentage of men (53% vs 43%) a higher percentage in the 18-35 age group (60% vs 48%) and a higher percentage with RhD negative blood types (35% vs 14%). In a logistic regression model RhD negative blood type was the single most important predictor of being recruited by family (adjusted odds ratio 3.7; p<0.001). The proportion of donors who registered at Giblod.no increased significantly from 19% in 2006-10 to 37% in 2011-15. Over this period, the mean age at recruitment has increased, from 27 years (1978-90) to 36 years (2011-15). Conclusion: Blood banks may encourage blood donors with less common blood types to become engaged in the recruitment of family members. The increase in the proportion of people who register at Giblod.no as blood donor is encouraging. Blood donors, recruitment methods, Red Cross webpage, blood type
