OBJECTIVES: To understand the meaning of being a blood donor, to describe fears of blood donors regarding blood donation and organization of blood banks, and identify strategies to increase recruitment of voluntary and habitual blood donors. METHODS: This was a qualitative exploratory study. Participants consisted of 15 voluntary blood donors from a local blood bank. Data were collected through taped interviews from January 2007 to March 2007. RESULTS: Blood donation is a solidarity and life saving act. Motivation to donate blood reflected the donor's personal and human decision. There is a need to inform and educate the population regarding blood donation. Attitude of health care professionals can influence the behaviors of blood donors. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to develop communication strategies to reduce fear and to motivate donation of blood. In addition, there is a need to develop a philosophy of care based on humanization to increase recruitment of voluntary and habitual blood donors.
Blood Donation; Blood donors; Blood Banks