Developing a social model for blood and plasma donation

Abstract

While the demand for blood and plasma products has increased globally, the supply from domestic donors remains critically low due to challenges recruiting and retaining donors. We use a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore factors influencing blood and plasma donation (BPD). We interviewed 66 current whole-blood donors, lapsed whole-blood donors, and non-donors. We then developed a model comprised of the 3 factors that influence BPD. The first factor identifies how individuals' presentations of self influence BPD. The second focuses on individuals' experiences navigating social structures and systems, including how group identity, presentations of self, and citizenship influence this process. The third examines pragmatic barriers to donation. We found this model represents individuals’ experiences as they move towards, or away from, wanting to engage in BPD. This information could help inform future work on increasing BPD.