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Attitudes and perceptions among men having sex with men towards a new non‐deferral blood donation policy in Israel
Author(s) -
Levy Itzchak,
Olmer Liraz,
Livnat Yuval,
Shalhavi Ran,
Hizki Ohad,
Shinar Eilat
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/vox.12766
Subject(s) - deferral , medicine , blood donor , quarantine , blood donations , donation , men who have sex with men , family medicine , demography , immunology , political science , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , business , law , accounting , syphilis , pathology , sociology
Background In June 2017, Israel lifted the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men ( MSM ) and accepts donations if 12 months have passed since the last sexual contact. Recently, the National Blood Services suggested a novel approach that involves acceptance of MSM blood donations without deferral, keeping solely the frozen plasma in quarantine and releasing it for transfusion if a subsequent donation, at least 4 months later, is found negative for transfusion‐transmitted agents. In this study, we examined the attitudes and perceptions of MSM to the new Frozen Plasma Quarantine Policy ( FPQP ). Method A survey was published on gay‐oriented websites, collecting anonymous demographic data, history of blood donations and attitudes towards the new policy. Results We analysed responses from 1233 MSM . Of these, 13·4% had donated blood at least once during the previous year, almost all of them (89·7%) not complying with the current 12‐month deferral. Most respondents (64·5%) supported the suggested new approach and would consider donating blood if it were introduced. Of MSM who had donated blood in the previous year, 85% stated they would agree to reveal their sexual practice in the donor health questionnaire ( DHQ ) in order to be included in the programme, compared with 8·5% under the current 12‐month deferral policy. Conclusion The suggested Plasma Quarantine Policy may be more acceptable to MSM than a 12‐month deferral and increase their compliance with the blood services policy. This and retesting of donors may increase blood safety.