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Blood donors' perceptions, motivators and deterrents in Sub‐Saharan Africa – a scoping review of evidence
Author(s) -
AsamoahAkuoko Lucy,
Hassall Oliver W.,
Bates Imelda,
Ullum Henrik
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.14588
Subject(s) - blood donor , incentive , altruism (biology) , donation , perception , medicine , blood supply , psychology , social psychology , immunology , surgery , economic growth , neuroscience , economics , microeconomics
Summary Achieving an adequate blood supply in Sub‐Saharan Africa ( SSA ) through donor mobilization and retention is crucial. Factors that motivate or deter blood donors vary according to beliefs and social norms. Understanding the factors that influence blood donation behaviour in SSA is vital to developing effective strategies to address blood donor motivation and retention. This review of 35 studies from 16 SSA countries collates available evidence concerning the perceptions, motivators and deterrents that influence blood donors in SSA . The review revealed a common understanding that blood and blood donation save lives. The main deterrent to blood donation was fear due to lack of knowledge and discouraging spiritual, religious and cultural perceptions of blood donation. The main motivators for blood donation were altruism, donating blood for family and incentives. The findings support the need for targeted, culturally sensitive education, recruitment and retention strategies to improve the blood supply in SSA .