Understanding blood donor deferrals in Colombia: a seven-year study (2017-2023) from a regional blood bank

The World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Blood Safety and Availability 2021 documented a median donor deferral rate of 13% (range: 1-67%). Deferral reduces blood availability and may indicate unmet public health needs. Given the scarcity of data from Latin America, this study aimed to characterize blood donor deferrals and identify demographic and temporal factors associated with the main causes and types of deferral at a regional blood bank in Barranquilla (Colombia).

We conducted an observational, analytical, retrospective study of deferred blood donors in Barranquilla from 2017 to 2023. Age, sex, deferral type, and reasons for deferral were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models.

During the study period, 319,131 individuals presented as potential donors, of whom 8432 were deferred (2.8%; IQR: 2.1-3.0). This deferral rate was 5 times lower than national estimates (13.9%; IQR: 6.5-21.6). Of deferred donors, 12.5% were permanent and 87.5% temporary. Mean age was 33.9 ± 11.4 years; 18-44-year-olds accounted for 81.0%. The leading cause of deferral was anemia (38.3%), followed by behavioral risk factors (37.9%). Multivariable analysis showed that female sex was associated with deferral due to anemia [aOR: 12.04 (95% CI: 10.72-13.52;p < 0.001)], whereas it was associated with lower odds of behavioral risk-related deferral [aOR: 0.13 (95% CI: 0.12-0.15; p < 0.001)] and permanent deferral [aOR: 0.28 (95% CI: 0.24-0.32; p < 0.001)].

Deferral rates in this institution were lower than national and international reports, with anemia and behavioral risks as the leading causes.