Community blood donors' knowledge of anemia and design of a literacy-appropriate educational intervention. Transfusion 2010 Jan;50(1):75-9
Date
08/28/2009Pubmed ID
19709393DOI
10.1111/j.1537-2995.2009.02358.xScopus ID
2-s2.0-73649131264 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this project is to improve the health of blood donors by educating and motivating them to seek medical attention for anemia. The National Anemia Action Council, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, and the Medical College of Wisconsin formed a partnership to engage volunteer blood donors and develop an educational intervention to motivate donors with anemia to seek appropriate medical care.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Partners developed an educational pamphlet and conducted two focus groups with volunteer blood donors for feedback. Participants were recruited from volunteer donors at BloodCenter of Wisconsin found to have anemia (men age, 18 years and older with a hematocrit [Hct] level of <38%; women age 50 years and older with a Hct level of <36%) at blood screening before donation.
RESULTS: Participants (n = 25) addressed their understanding of anemia, information they received after being deferred, their reactions about the deferral, and comments on the educational material. The educational pamphlet was revised based on focus group comments.
CONCLUSION: Volunteer donors are extremely dedicated and interested in increasing their understanding of anemia and the ability to continue donation. Community members' feedback on educational material is a valuable resource to improve the literacy level of information.
Author List
Young S, Fink A, Geiger S, Marbella A, Mast AE, Schellhase KGAuthors
Kenneth G. Schellhase MD, MPH Adjunct Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinStaci A. Young PhD Sr Associate Dean, Associate Director, Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Anemia
Blood Donors
Community Health Centers
Educational Status
Female
Focus Groups
Follow-Up Studies
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Hematocrit
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pamphlets
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
