From One-Time to Lifelong Giving: A Qualitative Inquiry into Blood Donors' Perceptions

Abstract

Blood donation stands as a paramount practice crucial for preserving human lives, playing a pivotal role in saving numerous lives annually. A proficient approach to address the demand for a secure blood supply hinges significantly on enlisting and retaining blood donors. In light of this, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the viewpoints and sentiments of voluntary blood donors concerning the concept of recurrent blood donation within the Zanzibar context. The research adopted a cross-sectional design, focusing on blood donors who have generously contributed blood on multiple occasions. The selection of participants was facilitated through a quota sampling technique. A total of 31 comprehensive interviews were administered among these recurring blood donors. Subsequently, a thematic analysis method was employed to dissect the collected data. The analysis revealed five overarching themes. The majority of respondents expressed a positive outlook on the notion of recurrent blood donation, although a subset cited familial and/or social reasons for their recurring contributions. Notably, the study discerned that Zanzibar's blood donors exhibit affirmative attitudes toward recurrent blood donation, predominantly driven by a spirit of altruism. Furthermore, fostering a greater influx of recurrence blood donors necessitates fostering community involvement, education, and sensitization efforts. These endeavors are pivotal in ensuring a consistent pool of blood donors committed to making recurring contributions.