ANALYSIS OF PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF BLOOD DONOR DEFERRAL AT JLN MEDICAL COLLEGE & ASSOCIATED GROUP OF HOSPITAL, AJMER

Abstract

Introduction: A reliable blood transfusion service is essential for effective health care delivery. Blood donor deferral is when a donor doesn't meet selection criteria. Deferral can be temporary or permanent due to health risks or safety concerns. Safe donors are encouraged to donate regularly. Thus, careful assessment of the eligibility of prospective donors is extremely important for ensuring the safety and adequacy of the blood supply and to protect the recipients as well as the donors themselves, without unnecessary deferral of suitable donors.

Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence and causes of blood donor deferral at JLN Medical College, Ajmer, analyzing temporary and permanent causes, demographics, and comparing findings with similar studies, with a goal to convert temporary deferrals to regular donors.

Methodology: This prospective study was conducted over a period of 1½ years, from January 2023 to June 2024, among indoor and outdoor donors at Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Ajmer zone. The study included 1755 deferred donors who presented during the study period and 29052 total registered donors, while non-registered donors who were deferred or self-deferred from blood donation were excluded.

Results: The majority of blood donor deferrals (85.58%) were temporary, affecting 1502 donors, indicating that many donors can potentially be converted to regular donors after addressing the temporary deferral issue. In contrast, permanent deferrals accounted for a relatively smaller proportion (14.42%) of total deferrals, affecting 253 donors, highlighting the importance of identifying and managing underlying health conditions.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address deferral causes, improve donor retention, and promote blood donation among underrepresented groups, particularly females.