Understanding Sociocultural Determinants of Attitudes to Blood Donation in Black Ethnic Subgroups Enrolled in Higher Education Institutions

Authors

• M Chaplin
• K West-Mitchell
• G Dinwiddie

Abstract

Background: Black blood donors have been underrepresented in the U.S. For patients with sickle cell disease, who are more likely to be of African ancestry, blood compatibility is closely linked to racial/ethnic background. However, Black ethnic subgroups in the U.S. may have different motivations and barriers to blood donation.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that foreign-born Blacks have higher rates of openness to blood donation than U.S.-born Blacks, and that students who attend predominantly white universities (PWI) may have better awareness of the need for blood donation.
Method: We designed a 35-item self-administered survey consisting of questions about demographics, race and ethnicity, motivators and barrier to blood donation using the Likert scale. Eligible students must self-identify as Black/of African ancestry, >18 years old, and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
Results: 49 of 150 survey responses have been collected (28.6% male, 71.4% female). Respondents were African American (40.8%), African (28.5%), West Indian (20.4%), Other (6.1%), and Mixed Race (4%). 54.6% of U.S.-born Blacks previously donated blood compared to 46.2% of foreign-born Blacks (p=0.75, Fisher Exact Test). 60% of HBCU students would be motivated to donate blood if invited by a group of friends compared to 51.6% PWI students (p=0.56, ANOVA).
Conclusion: Among US-born and foreign-born black students of multiple ethnic identities, rates of blood donation were not significantly different. Data collection and analysis of motivators and barriers to donation is ongoing.

Scientific Focus Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences

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