Exploring facilitators and barriers to blood collection and repeat donations in high and low performing districts/programs in Malawi
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Date
2021-03-17
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of Study
The Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) was established in 2003 to provide centralized
and safer blood supplies. Since its inception, the quantity of blood units collected through MBTS
and hospital blood banks had increased to 87,166 units in 2017 and all districts in Malawi
contributed to collection efforts. However, despite this increase, Malawi remains with a 27%
deficit in required blood supplies. So far there has been limited research to understand the
facilitators and barriers to blood collection and factors associated with repeat donations in
Malawi. Research into understanding the facilitators and barriers to first time donation and
regular donation in Malawi are critical to the design and successful retention of programs that
promote life-long donation.
Objectives
This study seeks to examine and factors associated with blood collection and repeat donations
among low and high performing districts in Malawi.
Specifically, the study seeks:
a) To explore the barriers and facilitators to blood donation and repeat donations among
blood donors in Malawi
b) To explore strategies to enhance blood collection among voluntary non remunerated
blood donors in schools
c) To explore strategies for building a sustainable pool of blood donors post secondary
school in Malawi.
Study design and data collection methods
The proposed research will use a cross-sectional, qualitative, descriptive design to examine a
range of factors that influence blood donation and donor retention. The study will utilise
qualitative data collection methods such as in depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions
(FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to collect data from donors, non-donors, community
leaders, policy makers, and program staff. Data management and analysis
All KIIs, FGDs, and IDIs will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English
by trained research assistants. Recordings and anonymized transcripts will be kept in passwordsecured
computers. Data will be analysed using using qualitative thematic analysis using Atlas.ti
software.
Ethical considerations
Covid-19 preventive measures/anonymity/confidentiality/permission/information sheet and
consent will be applied and followed.
Possible constraints
We anticipate challenges in the recruitment of school based VNRBDs. Schools have been closed
and it’s still not certain when schools will reopen. This might also affect the study timelines and
logistical challenges if data collection spills over to the first quarter of 2021 which in Malawi is
the rainy season. In addition, due to the Covid-19 restrictions and the need to observe the
precautionary measures, it may be challenging to conduct ideal group discussions as well as face
to face interviews.
Results Dissemination
Results will be presented according to the study objectives. These will be presented in research
reports that outline methods used, key findings, and recommendations. Further dissemination
of results will also occur through publication(s) in peer-reviewed journal(s) as well as
presentations at seminars/conferences, stakeholder meetings and websites. A report will be
provided to COMREC.
The implications of this study
The study will provide insights on how barriers and facilitators of blood donations and retention
of blood donors which will help formulate strategies to improve blood supplies in Malawi.
Description
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE