First year donation patterns predict long-term commitment for first-time donors.
OBJECTIVE
Converting first-time donors to become regular donors continues to be a challenge facing blood centres. We examined whether first-time donors with frequent return in the first 12 months were more likely to become regular donors.


METHODS
The donation histories of 179 409 community whole-blood donors, whose first-time donation in 1991 was negative on donor screening tests, were evaluated. Donors were categorized by the number of donations made in the 12 months after (and including) their first donation. The donor return pattern in the subsequent 6 years, and its association with first-year donation frequency and demographics, was evaluated by using logistic regression analysis. A 'regular donor' was defined as one who returned to donate in at least 4 of the 6 years of follow-up.


RESULTS
First-year donation frequency was significantly correlated with long-term donor return (P < 0.0001). Among those giving 1, 2, 3, 4 and > or = 5 donations in the first year, 4%, 11%, 21%, 32% and 42%, respectively, became regular donors (P < 0.0001). Similar associations between donation pattern and donor return behaviour were observed after adjusting for demographic variables (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Strategies aimed at encouraging current donors to donate more frequently during the first year may help to establish a regular donation behaviour.
Schreiber
G B
GB
Westat, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. georgeschreiber@westat.com
Sharma
U K
UK
Wright
D J
DJ
Glynn
S A
SA
Ownby
H E
HE
Tu
Y
Y
Garratty
G
G
Piliavin
J
J
Zuck
T
T
Gilcher
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D001519:Behavior; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D004493:Education; D006801:Humans; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors