Bone marrow donors: experience among adolescents and young adults

Recent treatment advancements have improved the survival rates of patients with hematological malignancies, making hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) a key curative option. However, despite ongoing awareness efforts, the number of bone marrow donor registrations has not significantly increased over time, possibly because of the impact of recent infectious disease outbreaks. This may affect patients requiring allogeneic HSCT. This study explored the experiences of adolescent and young adult (AYA) bone marrow donors.

Using a qualitative descriptive research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six AYA individuals who had experience as bone marrow donors. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee (022-03), and no conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Seven categories and 23 subcategories were identified in this analysis. Participants reported a strong sense of duty as donors, but faced challenges such as family opposition, lack of understanding from employers, and concerns about the impact on work and family life. Despite these difficulties, donors often experienced personal growth and fulfillment through donation.

Nurses should recognize AYA bone marrow donors as a population that requires support, and consider strategies to increase the understanding and registration among this crucial demographic group.