Experience of blood donation and return for subsequent donation among new and repeat donors

Background Understanding factors that influence return for subsequent donation in new compared to repeat blood donors is essential to recruiting and maintaining the blood donor base. Study Design and Methods The current research assessed self‐reported attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions to donate, experiences during a current donation, and subsequent blood donation during the next 6 months, in a Canadian sample that included both new and repeat donors. Results Both new and repeat donors had similar positive impressions of a novel blood donor questionnaire (DQ) that assessed individual sexual risk behavior as a basis for donor eligibility. Attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control predicted intentions and sureness to donate in the next 6 months, and intentions/sureness to donate were moderately predictive of subsequent donation within this time frame. New donors (compared to repeat donors) and participants who indicated that some aspect of their donation day experience could prevent them from returning for a subsequent donation, were significantly less likely to make a future donation within the next 6 months. Discussion Findings provide guidance for the support of new and repeat donors returning for subsequent blood donation.