Insights into voluntary plasma donation: A study of motivators and obstacles

Background: Plasma-derived medicines (PDMs) are essential for treating various disorders and require large volumes of human plasma. The debate on voluntary and compensated plasma donation continues, while WHO advocating for voluntary donations. This study examines factors influencing plasma donation, focusing on the effectiveness of voluntary donation and identifying key motivators and barriers.

Methods and materials: This study was conducted in four blood centers. Two questionnaires were developed. The motivation questionnaire was administered to donors who had contributed plasma four times or more. The barrier questionnaire was distributed to donors who had donated only once. Chi-Square was used to compare variables and t-tests for means.

Results: Of participants, 245 frequent plasma donors completed the motivation questionnaire, and 664 one-time donors filled out the barrier survey. Altruism motivated frequent donors, while barriers included time constraints, preference for blood donation, and lack of awareness. Among frequent donors, 84.00% [CI 95%: 0.79-0.89] were willing to donate plasma or had no preference between donating plasma or blood, compared to 39.90% [CI 95%: 0.36-0.43] of one-time donors. Tendency to donate among one-time donors increased to 68.70% [CI 95%: 0.65-0.71], 93.40% [CI 95%: 0.91-0.95], and 43.50% [CI 95%: 0.40-0.47], when requested, friends needed PDMs, or compensation was offered.

Conclusions: Increased tendencies for plasma donation were reported when donors were directly approached by blood centers and friends required PDMs. Results challenge significance of monetary incentives in motivation of plasma donors, suggesting that fostering an understanding of crucial role of plasma donation proves more influential in driving contributions.