Determinants of repeated blood donation among new and experienced blood donors.

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of a safe level of blood supply is provided by a small number of volunteers, and their retention is difficult. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting repeated blood donation among experienced and new donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A random sample of 2,231 donors (2,070 experienced and 161 new) completed a questionnaire assessing psychosocial factors as defined by the most prominent social cognitive theories. Six months later, an objective measure of frequency of registrations to give blood was obtained from the database of the local official agency for blood donation.

RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that for experienced donors, the predictors were intention, perceived control, anticipated regret, moral norm, age, and frequency of blood donation in the past. For new donors, intention and age were the only determinants of behavior. Important differences in the determinants of intention were also noted between experienced and new donors.

CONCLUSION: In summary, the results of this study support the idea that distinct promotion strategies should be adopted to increase repeated blood donation among experienced versus new donors.