Grant: Project Grant

When Canadians think of donation, most are familiar with blood and organ donation. Plasma donation is another important way that Canadians can give, but most do not know much about it. Plasma is the yellow liquid part of our blood that is the foundation of a well-functioning immune system. Plasma is important for making medications to treat Canadians with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, kidney and liver diseases, burns, surgery, and many cancers. Canada does not collect enough plasma to meet demand; we buy 80+% of our plasma products from other countries. Plasma donation is at a tipping point in Canada: plasma donation sites are being built across Canada and policy changes are reducing donation restrictions (eg for gay men). Plasma is also an alternative - though under-recognized - opportunity for donation for immigrants to Canada from malaria-risk countries (most countries in Africa & south Asia) who can't donate blood but CAN donate plasma, but are substantially under-represented. These changes & opportunities are important but only part of why people might donate. We aim to better understand what Canadians know about plasma donation, what motivates donors to keep donating and what strategies can best support plasma donation by under-represented Canadians. Our project involves: 1) systematic review: describe what is known about what motivates people to start and continue to donate and what strategies encourage donation; 2a) national survey about what a diversity of Canadians know about plasma donation and donation motives; 2b) survey existing plasma donors: newly eligible donors previously excluded from donation (eg gay men) and existing donors to explore what predicts how often they donate; & 3) partner with community members to develop strategies to promote donation among different groups. Findings will inform large-scale evaluation to help more Canadians donate, more patients in need receiving plasma and a more self-sufficient plasma donation system.