Return rate in blood donors: A 7-year follow up

Determining the current return rates of blood donors and their related factors.

Understanding the current pattern of blood donors' return rates and also their motivations will be beneficial when there is a need to implement measures to encourage new blood donors and retain existing ones.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 4200 blood donors in Shiraz, Iran, from 26 November 2010 to 26 December 2010. Blood donors' return rate and its related factors were investigated in a 7-year follow up.

The overall return rates of blood donors indicated a significant yearly decline of 51.2%, 45.1%, 37.6%, 38.8%, 28.7%, 22.7% and 22.1% over a 7-year follow up. The return rates for first-time donors declined annually by 30%, 25%, 21%, 18.5%, 15.2%,12.3% and 11.8% (P ≤ .05). Return rates were higher among male, older, low-educated, Rh-negative and regular donors. Blood donations for altruistic reasons and religious reasons were higher in regular and older donors (P < .001); donation for positive effects on their health and free access to screening tests and curiosity was higher in first-time donors and females (P < .001). The most frequent deterrents were lack of time (42.7%), unsuitable condition (37.6%) and difficult access to donation sites (26.2%).

Designing new strategies to retain donors, advertisement, appreciation methods and providing convenient conditions for donation are needed to increase the return rates, particularly in young, highly educated, female and first-time donors.