Examining the Associations of Parents' and Teenagers' Attitudes of Blood Donation and Intentions to Donate Blood Open Access

Abstract

Background. At present, approximately one-third of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. However, only a small fraction does donate blood. With a depleted blood donor pool, there is a foreseeable shortage in the blood supply. The inclusion of minors with parental consent is the most recent strategy to increase the blood donor pool. In order to increase the amount of young donors, a deeper understanding of the attitudes and intentions among parents and teenagers is essential. The present study seeks to examine relationships between parental and teenage attitudes and intentions to donate blood, and explore the importance of potential barriers to donating blood.

Methods. A cross-sectional survey was administered to parents and their dependent teenagers between 14 and 17 years of age. Survey items assessed one's attitudes and intentions to donate blood, and the degree of importance for potential barriers in the blood donation process. Correlational statistical analyses were performed to analyze potential associations.

Results. From the 29 paired surveys used for analysis, results of a Pearson correlation suggest that there is no statistically significant association between parental attitudes and intentions to donate blood, or teenage attitudes and intentions to donate blood. When controlling for demographic characteristics in a linear regression, there is no statistically significant association between attitudes and intentions to donate blood. Moderate agreement was observed between parental and teenage cognitive attitudes of blood donation (κ =0.60, p < 0.05). Barriers related to fear were deemed low importance among parents and teenagers, while barriers related to the logistics of the blood donation process were deemed high importance.

Discussion. Among the participants in the study, parents and teenagers seem to have similar attitudes and intentions to blood donation. When targeting minors for blood donation, it is important to include parents in the interventions. The work from this study will be beneficial in informing future interventions to encourage blood donation.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

Theoretical Framework

Research Aims

II. Literature Review

III. Methods

Participants

Measures

Setting

Recruitment

Procedures

Analysis

IV. Results

Hypothesis 1

Hypothesis 2

Hypothesis 3

V. Discussion

References

Appendices

Appendix A: American Red Cross Eligibility Criteria

Appendix B: Recruitment Script

Appendix C: Recruitment Flyer

Appendix D: Parent Survey

Appendix E: Teenager Survey

Appendix F: Ratings of Potential Barriers

About this Master's Thesis

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• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Pathology
Keyword	intentions attitudes blood donation
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Jacob Arriola, Kimberly R, Emory University
Committee Members	Nehl, Eric J., Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

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