Sociodemographic profile and factors associated with blood donation recurrence in Belém, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic and behavioral profile of blood donors at the HEMOPA Foundation in Belém, Pará, and analyze factors associated with donation recurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study, based on STROBE guidelines. A total of 385 donors were interviewed after donation. Statistical analysis used Pearson's Chi-square tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Data were processed using SPSS v26.0 and RStudio. Results: The sample revealed a predominance of men among valid responses (57.3%), a mean age of 35.5 ± 12,6 years, and concentration in the 18-29 age group among participants with informed age (41.9%). It was observed that 65.9% of donors with valid income information had an income of up to two minimum wages. The recurrent donor index (repeat and sporadic donors) reached 82.0% among valid responses. There was a significant association between some donation motivations and donor profile, whereas no statistically significant association was observed between knowledge about the donation process and recurrence. Conclusion: Donors in Belém are predominantly young, with substantial participation of low-income individuals among respondents with valid information. Donation recurrence was mainly associated with motivational and behavioral factors. The findings reinforce the need for recruitment and retention strategies based on health education, social communication, reduction of logistical barriers, and strengthening of the donor's relationship with the hemotherapy service.