Determinants of intention to return to donate blood among first‐time blood donors in Ghana

• Published in: Vox sanguinis 2021-03, Vol.116 (3), p.324-335
• Main Authors: Asamoah‐Akuoko, Lucy, Ullum, Henrik, Appiah, Bernard, Hassall, Oliver W, Ndanu, Thomas, Adongo, Philip, Bates, Imelda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Advertisements; Blood; Blood & organ donations; blood donation; Blood donors; Blood Donors - psychology; Blood Donors - statistics & numerical data; Blood transfusion; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; first‐time donors; Ghana; Humans; Incentives; Intention; intention to return; Male; Mass media; Middle Aged; Motivation; News media; Regression analysis; Regression models; sub‐Saharan Africa; Television; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0042-9007; 1423-0410
• DOI: 10.1111/vox.13026

Objective This study seeks to identify factors that are predictive of intention to return to donate blood among first‐time blood donors. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of 505 first‐time blood donors, selected from blood donation sessions across three regions in Ghana. Data were obtained on their intention to donate blood in the next four months, factors that would influence this decision. Logistic regression models were used to test factors that were predictive of intention to return. Results First‐time donors were young with 87·4% below 35 years of age, male (72·5%), single (73·3%), Christian (93·7%), employed (58·8%), with at least a basic education (98%). Factors that positively predicted intention to return included: motivational incentives (OR = 1·67, 95%CI: 1·01–2·78; P = 0·045); ease of access to the donation site (OR = 2·65, 95%CI: 1·48–4·73; P = 0·001); SMS and email reminders (OR = 2·84, 95%CI: 1·60–5·06; P