Browsing by Author "Muhammad Nurudeen"

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    Incentivised methods towards the retention of blood donors in Nigeria
    (Transfusion Medicine , Wiley, 2023-09-08) Muhammad Nurudeen
    Background: There has been growing inadequacy of voluntary blood donors in Nigeria, resulting in inadequate availability and supply of safe blood and blood products in blood banks and hospitals. Aim: To determine the factors that promote voluntary blood donor retention among the Nigerian population. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed using an electronically transmitted survey. The respondents were individuals aged 18 years and above who have donated blood at least once in their lifetime. Quantitative data such as gender, age range, number of previous donations, and factors that motivate and discourage blood donation were collated and analysed. Result: The respondents were 53.8% male and 49.2% female, mostly between 26 and 40 years old and from diverse ethnoreligious backgrounds spread across Nigeria. The majority of respondents opined that the need to help others was their greatest motivation to become firsttime donors. When asked about the motivations for regular blood donation, the majority of the respondents (47.5%) stated that regular calls and reminders were the main motivation. Similarly, most respondents claimed to have had a positive experience during previous donations, however, they highlighted that time constraints and busy schedules were the two main factors that prevented them from donating more frequently. Discussion and Conclusion: Retaining voluntary blood donors in Nigeria has been a herculean task for government-managed blood transfusion agencies, hospitals and non-profits in the space. Our study reveals that regular communication must be established with first-time and recurrent voluntary blood donors to maintain their continued commitment to saving lives. However, regular phone calls, text messages and emails that have been found to be beneficial in retaining voluntary blood donors require adequate coordination, designated personnel and funds to execute. Hence, blood collection agencies and blood donation charities must be supported with funds and other resources for effective communication with new and existing blood donors. Keywords: Blood, Donor, Voluntary, Database, Transfusion