Blood donation by African migrants and refugees in Australia: the role of demographic and socio-economic factors

Background and Objectives To establish blood donation rates among African refugees and migrants and identify demographic and socio-economic factors that are associated with their blood donation. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey of 425 migrants and refugees living in Victoria and South Australia was used to assess blood donation status. The association between blood donation and demographic and socio-economic factors was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Overall, 73 participants (172%; 95% CI: 136-208) reported having donated blood previously. Of the total sample, 24% (95% CI: 09-38) reported having given blood in Australia; 129% (95% CI: 97-161) had given blood prior to migration to Australia (i.e. country of birth or transition); and 19% (95% CI: 06-32) indicated they had given blood in an unspecified country. In the univariate model, age, country of birth, blood donation knowledge, religion, educational attainment, migration and employment status were all associated with blood donation status. However, in the multivariate model, only age >45years (odds ratio [OR] 572; 95% CI 211-1546), African region of origin (OR 1589; 95% CI 389-65) and blood donation knowledge (OR 446; 95% CI 157-127) were associated with blood donation. Conclusions In order to increase the number of blood donors among African migrants, promoting knowledge and awareness of issues associated with blood donation in Australia should be emphasized. Consideration should be given to identifying these potential migrant donors to improve the availability of compatible blood for patients of African descent.