Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Plasma is an essential component of therapies used to treat immune deficiencies, coagulation disorders and other serious conditions. Despite increasing global demand, many countries, including Canada, remain dependent on imported plasma products. Understanding the psychological, social and structural factors influencing plasma donation is critical to designing strategies that strengthen domestic supply. This meta-synthesis aimed to identify barriers and enablers to plasma donation using the theoretical domains framework (TDF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHL (up to August 2023) identified qualitative studies describing experiences and perceptions of plasma donation. Using directed content analysis, qualitative data were coded to TDF domains, and belief statements summarizing barriers and enablers were generated and synthesized narratively. RESULTS: Twenty studies (n = 1310 participants) conducted in non-remunerated contexts met inclusion criteria. A total of 131 belief statements were mapped to 13 of 14 TDF domains. The largest number occurred in Environmental Context and Resources (e.g., accessibility, scheduling, staff support), followed by Knowledge, Social/Professional Role and Identity, Social Influences, and Emotion. Barriers centred on logistical constraints, limited understanding and negative emotional responses, whereas enablers reflected trust in institutions, supportive staff, identity as a donor and feelings of pride and altruism. CONCLUSION: Plasma donation behaviour is shaped by interacting informational, emotional, social and structural determinants. Addressing practical barriers while leveraging enablers such as donor identity, social support and transparent communication may enhance recruitment and retention. Our findings can inform the design of theory-based, donor-centred interventions to strengthen national plasma collection systems.
Etherington et al. (Thu,) studied this question.