Measuring the processes of change for increasing blood donation in black adults

Background: Blacks have significantly lower blood donation rates than whites. Many views, experiences, and behaviors associated with blood donation are unique to black culture. Evidence suggests that culturally tailored health promotion programs help with increasing black blood donation. To be effective, tailored interventions should be based on valid and reliable measures. The Transtheoretical Model\u27s (TTM) Processes of Change (POC) construct provides an assessment of participants\u27 covert and overt activities and experiences in blood donation. This study describes development and validation of POC for increasing blood donation tailored to blacks. Student Design and Methods: Cross‐sectional measure development with online survey dissemination was used in 566 blacks in the Northeastern United States. Factor analytic structural modeling procedures were used to examine validity of the POC measure. Blood donation POC were examined in participants representing a range of blood donation history and intentions (nondonors, sometimes donors, regular donors) based on an established algorithm. Results: Confirmatory analyses replicated the theoretically expected structure of POC scales which is a 10‐factor, fully correlated best‐fit model. Expected POC patterns by Stages of Change based on theoretical and empirical predictions were confirmed. The range of effect sizes for 10 POC were η2 = 0.04 to 0.25, indicating that TTM POC are strong strategies in blood donation decision making for blacks and can be applied to interventions to increase blood donation for a minority population. Conclusion: POC measure was internally and externally valid in a sample of blacks. Interventions can utilize the POC measure to guide stage‐matched interventions to encourage use of relevant experiential and behavioral strategies to increase blood donation

Massive transfusion: blood component ratios.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will address recent developments in the transfusion management of massively transfused trauma patients, focusing on the use of fixed blood component ratios in massive transfusion protocols. RECENT FINDINGS: The majority of trauma centers have migrated from laboratory-based transfusion protocols to massive transfusion protocols with fixed blood component ratios. These protocols with red blood cell : plasma : platelet ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 are associated with improved survival in severely injured patients. However, alternate ratios have also demonstrated improved survival. Thus, the optimal ratio has not been determined. In addition, the use of medications, such as antifibrinolytics, and point of care testing, such as thromboelastography, are increasingly being used as part of massive transfusion protocols to adjust transfusion therapy and decrease bleeding. However, their optimal integration has yet to be determined. SUMMARY: Massive transfusion protocols with fixed ratios of red blood cells to plasma and platelets have improved survival in both civilian and military trauma patients. Continued studies of ratios as well as integration of other therapies and testing are ongoing in order to continue to improve patient outcome

COVID19 antibody detection using lateral flow assay tests in a cohort of convalescent plasma donors

OBJECTIVE: COVID19 has caused a global and ongoing pandemic. The need for population seroconversion data is apparent to monitor and respond to the pandemic. Using a lateral flow assay (LFA) testing platform, the seropositivity in 63 New York Blood Center (NYBC) Convelescent Plasma (CP) donor samples were evaluated for the presence of COVID19 specific IgG and IgM. RESULTS: CP donors showed diverse antibody result. Convalescent donor plasma contains SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. Weak antibody bands may identify low titer CP donors. LFA tests can identify antibody positive individuals that have recovered from COVID19. Confirming suspected cases using antibody detection could help inform the patient and the community as to the relative risk to future exposure and a better understanding of disease exposure

The development of a social networking-based relatedness intervention among young, first-time blood donors: Pilot study

© Victoria Frye, Louisa Duffy, Janis L France, Debra A Kessler, Mark Rebosa, Beth H Shaz, Bruce W Carlson, Christopher R. France. Background: Increasing repeat blood donation behavior is a critical public health goal. According to self-determination theory, the process of developing internal motivation to give blood and an associated self-identity as a blood donor may be promoted by feelings of “relatedness” or a connection to other donors, which may be enhanced through social relations and interactions. Objective: The purpose of this report it to describe the development and pilot testing of a social networking-based (Facebook) intervention condition designed to increase feelings of relatedness via virtual social interaction and support. Methods: To develop the intervention condition content, images, text, polls, and video content were assembled. Ohio University college students (N=127) rated the content (82 images/text) presented by computer in random order using a scale of one to five on various dimensions of relatedness. Mean ratings were calculated and analyses of variance were conducted to assess associations among the dimensions. Based on these results, the relatedness intervention was adapted and evaluated for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among 24 first-time donors, aged 18 to 24 years, in a 30-day pilot trial. Paired t-tests were conducted to examine change over time in relatedness and connectedness. Results: The intervention condition that was developed was acceptable and feasible. Results of the uncontrolled, preintervention, and postintervention evaluation revealed that feelings of individual-level relatedness increased significantly after the intervention. Conclusions: By promoting first-time blood donor relatedness, our goal is to enhance internal motivation for donating and the integration of the blood donor identity, thus increasing the likelihood of future repeat donation

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Culturally Tailored Internet-Delivered Intervention to Promote Blood Donation in Blacks

Introduction. A pilot test of a computer-tailored intervention designed to promote blood donation among Blacks was conducted. Method. Intervention content, based on the transtheoretical model, offered participants individually and culturally tailored information on blood donation with emphasis on need specific to race (e.g., sickle-cell disease). Black adults (N = 150) with a diversity of blood donation experience were recruited from a blood center and a survey recruitment website. Posttest assessment included a 14-item evaluation and transtheoretical model questions. Results. Participants rated the program positively (81.3% to 98.7% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with evaluation items). For example, 98.7% of respondents reported that the program gave sound advice and that personal feedback was easily understood, and 87.3% felt the program was designed for people like themselves. Ninety-five percent of participants reported that they would recommend the program to others. There were no significant differences in ratings based on demographics. Qualitative responses support program acceptability. Furthermore, pre- and postprogram assessments indicated an increase in intention to donate, t(149) = 3.56, p =.001, d =.29. Discussion. With acceptability and feasibility confirmed, the next steps are to test efficacy and cost-effectiveness for use to increase blood donation, particularly in priority populations