Who returns and becomes a regular blood donor? Analysis of a donor database in Fukushima, Japan

Background and Objective A Frequent Blood Donor Club has been established by the Japanese Red Cross Society to ensure a steady supply of safe blood. This study investigated the characteristics of club members. Materials and Methods Database information on 50 954 donors in Fukushima Prefecture was extracted, and 1907 club members and random selections of 2030 first‐time and 2137 returning donors were enroled (sampling proportions of 40% and 5%, respectively). Eleven survey items were compared between the first‐time to returning donors and returning donors to club members, using logistic regression analysis. Results While 78·9% of first‐time and 86·9% of returning donors donated whole blood, 60·2% of club members donated platelet concentrate. Median number of previous donations was 7 for returning donors and 60 for club members. Eight factors were significantly associated with either donors’ return or registration in the donor club: three basic characteristics (age, sex, occupation and region), two blood donation items (no intention of future donation and donation at a fixed location) and three health and lifestyle items (BMI, systolic blood pressure and sleep duration). Conclusions Club members were characterised by higher numbers of previous donations and a preference for component donations. Young people and women were less likely to be returning donors. Directed efforts to recruit and retain donors considering their donation sites and health status are recommended to ensure a stable blood supply now and in the future.