Adverse Reaction Among Blood Donors in Guyana
Introduction
Blood donation is essential for healthcare systems globally but it can lead
to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions can discourage individuals from donating again
thus creating a challenge for the health care system.
Objectives
To analyze the relationship between environmental and socio-demographic
factors and the occurrence of adverse reactions among blood donors in Guyana.
Method
Donations were sourced from multiple locations and data was collected
through interviews and clinical examinations. This was documented on a Donor Criteria
Processing Form. Statistical analysis was performed using Stat 11.2. Risk factors for
adverse events were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Ethical
considerations and procedures were duly respected.
Results
Of 9042 blood donations examined, 64.1% were male and 35% were female with
an average age (± SD) of 36.42 ± 0.12 years; 31.1% were first-time donors. The overall risk
of adverse conditions was 0.65% (59/9,041). The most common types of adverse reactions
were dizziness (0.30%), nausea (0.23%), and sweating (0.22%). After stepwise
multivariable selection, we identified the following risk factors: Being female (AOR, 1.76;
95% CI, 1.05-2.95; p-value =0.032), absence of air conditioning (AOR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.70-
4.79; p-value <0.001), and age (AOR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98; p-value =0.001).
Conclusion
There is a significant relationship between some environmental and
sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of adverse reactions during blood
donations. During blood donations, adverse reactions are twice as likely to occur among
females (as compared to males) and three times more likely to occur in the absence of
air conditioning. Additionally, adverse reactions are less likely to occur with increasing
age.
Recommendations
To retain an adequate donor pool and blood supply, the donor
experience must remain positive by optimizing blood donation spaces, and reducing
increased chances of adverse reactions.
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