Analysis of Chinese donors' return behavior.
BACKGROUND
It is important to understand donor return behavior. Converting first-time donors to become repeat donors is essential for maintaining an adequate blood supply.


METHODS
Characteristics of 241,552 whole blood (WB) donations from first-time and repeat donors who donated in 2008 at the five blood centers in China were compared. A subset of 54,394 WB donors who donated between January 1 and March 31, 2008, were analyzed for their return behavior in 2008 after the index donation using logistic regression.


RESULTS
Of all donations, 64% were from first-time donors. Donors with self-reported previous donations tended to be male, older, and married; donated larger volume (≥ 300 mL); and were heavier in weight. Among donors who donated from January to March 2008, 14% returned for subsequent WB donations by the end of 2008. The number of previous donations and blood collection location were the two strongest predictors for making subsequent donations. Donors with one, two to three, and more than three previous donations were 3.7, 5.7, and 11.0 times more likely to return than first-time donors. Those who donated in a blood collection vehicle were four times more likely to return than those who donated at a blood center. Being female, younger, and of a lower education level (middle school or less) were positively associated with subsequent return blood donation during the follow-up period observed in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the Chinese blood supply is from first-time donors. Strategies aimed at encouraging current donors to become repeat donors are needed.
Guo
Nan
N
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Wang
Jingxing
J
Ness
Paul
P
Yao
Fuzhu
F
Dong
Xiangdong
X
Bi
Xinhong
X
Mei
Heili
H
Li
Julin
J
He
Weilan
W
Lu
Yunlai
Y
Ma
Hongli
H
Wen
Xiuqiong
X
Huang
Mei
M
Wright
David J
DJ
King
Melissa
M
High
Patrick
P
Nelson
Kenrad
K
Shan
Hua
H
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014481:United States