Repeat Blood Donation and the Anticipation of Reciprocity

An Interview Study

Abstract

The decreasing number of blood donors in recent years has been a critical concern. However, there are limited sociological studies on blood donation. Literature reviews show the consistent motivation for blood donation to be “my family and I might use blood products in the future.” This motive can be considered as an anticipation of reciprocity. Further, it can be assumed from this type of narrative that blood donors trust blood banks. Based on this premise, this study attempts to examine the trust blood donors place in blood banks, as well as their narratives of anticipation of reciprocity.

In their interviews, the participants described the trust they place in blood banks, blood services, specific functions of blood, and the actions of other members of the society. The participants also described their or their family membersʼ hypothetical need for blood products in case of accidents and injuries, in the treatment of diseases, during surgeries, or by imagining vague situations. Other participants shared ideas about prioritizing donors in need of blood, or described reciprocity not through blood products but through other “gifts.” Among these motives, the anticipation of accidents and injuries was often mentioned; however, in reality, the use of blood products following an accident or injury is limited. For “healthy” young or middle-aged donors, illness does not seem to be a reality, while involvement in an accident seems more realistic. Furthermore, some repeat donors did not have much knowledge about the uses of blood products. The background narrative in these cases is the strong trust in blood banks and the specific functions of blood. This study indicates that in order to increase the number of blood donors, it is important to enhance not only the anticipation of reciprocity but also the trust in blood banks.