Psychological effects of blood donation on repeat and first time donors in Tehran Blood Transfusion Center

Provision of adequate and safe blood is the main purpare of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. One of the most important and vital strategies to deal with the issue is to replace once donors by repeat donors. Psychological effects of blood donation on frequent and infrequent clients having referred to different blood collection centers in Tehran were considered to be the aim of this study. Materials and Methods In the course of this analytic cross-sectional study the standard questionnaire of GHQ was utilized to measure mental health of the participants. All of the donors who had referred to blood collection centers in Tehran during 2004-2005 formed the participants of this research. Data were analyzed with Chi-square, t-test and Man Withney test. Results Nine hundred thirty five frequent and 749 infrequent donors filled the questionnaire. The level of anxiety and depression in repeated donors was also lower than the other group. Conclusions The individuals who attempt on blood donation for the first time report their health and physical conditions at a completely acceptable level in order to be accepted as an eligible candidate; however, it is not the same for constant donors, as they do not benefit from this. The return rate of blood donors is very low in case of individuals suffering from high stress. Religious beliefs and the feeling of being beneficial to the society are considered to be important factors both in motivating people to repeat blood donation and protecting against depression.