Knowledge of HIV testing and attitudes towards blood donation at three blood centres in Brazil

Vox Sang. 2014 May;106(4):344-53. doi: 10.1111/vox.12114. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

Background: Reducing risk of HIV window period transmission requires understanding of donor knowledge and attitudes related to HIV and risk factors.

Study design and methods: We conducted a survey of 7635 presenting blood donors at three Brazilian blood centres from 15 October through 20 November 2009. Participants completed a questionnaire on HIV knowledge and attitudes about blood donation. Six questions about blood testing and HIV were evaluated using maximum likelihood chi-square and logistic regression. Test seeking was classified in non-overlapping categories according to answers to one direct and two indirect questions.

Results: Overall, respondents were male (64%) repeat donors (67%) between 18 and 49 years old (91%). Nearly 60% believed blood centres use better HIV tests than other places; however, 42% were unaware of the HIV window period. Approximately 50% believed it was appropriate to donate to be tested for HIV, but 67% said it was not acceptable to donate with risk factors even if blood is tested. Logistic regression found that less education, Hemope-Recife blood centre, replacement, potential and self-disclosed test-seeking were associated with less HIV knowledge.

Conclusion: HIV knowledge related to blood safety remains low among Brazilian blood donors. A subset finds it appropriate to be tested at blood centres and may be unaware of the HIV window period. These donations may impose a significant risk to the safety of the blood supply. Decreasing test-seeking and changing beliefs about the appropriateness of individuals with behavioural risk factors donating blood could reduce the risk of transfusing an infectious unit.

Keywords: HIV knowledge; blood donation; test-seeking.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Donors*
  • Blood Safety
  • Brazil
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Culture
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / standards
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult