HIV-related behaviours among voluntary blood donors in Hong Kong

The present study examined the prevalence of and factors associated with deferrable risk behaviours practised by male voluntary blood donors in Hong Kong. Attitudes and knowledge related to HIV/AIDS and blood donation among both male and female blood donors were also studied. In total, 2,162 (1,190 male and 972 female) blood donors in four Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Services (HKRCBTS) centres completed an anonymous structured questionnaire. About 11% of the male respondents have practised deferrable risk behaviours (e.g. sharing syringes, commercial sex-networking, or having sex with another man). Furthermore, among male respondents, 5.9% indicated that they are using blood donations as a means of testing for their HIV status. These male 'potential test seekers' tended to be younger, single, unemployed and first-time donors; relevant knowledge and perceptions towards the screening guideline were also associated with potential test seeking and deferrable risk. About 5% of all respondents would go to the HKRCBTS to perform an HIV test, if required. Many blood donors in Hong Kong were not knowledgeable about HIV-related issues. There is a need to review the effectiveness of the present deferral system, which is based on the goodwill of the donor to disclose personal health risk factors.