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Abstract

Background and Objective: In many countries, there are cultural attitudes that limit acceptance to blood donation activities, governments and other institutions do little to counteract these attitudes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine demography, some haematological and iron-related parameters of 184 male frequent paid and not paid blood donors in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: About 184 subjects comprising five groups were recruited into this study, that is, 35 (19.0%) control group (donors donating for the 1st time), 32 (17.4%) of first (donors donating for the 2nd time), 35 (19.0%) of second (donors donating for the 3rd time),41 (22.3%) of third (donors donating for the 4th time) and 41 (22.3%) of fourth (donors donating for the 5th time) time blood donors. The donors were within the range of 18-49 years of age. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using systematic random sampling method for selection of the male blood donors by filling the questionnaire form after giving their consent. Their haemoglobin concentration was evaluated using complete automated cell counter (ERMA INC. Tokyo PCE-210, 5.10 version). Photometric/colorimetric and ELISA method was used to estimate the biochemical iron-related parameters (TS, SF, STfR and STfR/SF ratio). Results: Students (42.4%) comprised the highest percentage of donors followed by artisans (19%). The smallest occupational group was made up of bankers, politicians, businessmen). Most (63.4%) of the donors were commercial blood donors while 37.5% were not paid at the time of donation. There was a significant decrease in 184 paid blood donors in Hb, Hct, TS, SF and significant increase in STfR and STfR/SF ratio when compared with not paid ones There was also a progressive significant fall in average Hb, TS, SF and rise in STfR, STfR/SF ratio in the repeat paid blood donors of more than 3 times. There was also general impairment of haematological and biochemical iron-related parameters in paid and Not paid blood donors. Conclusion: Most repeated blood donors in this study were young persons between the ages of 18-35 years and most of them donated blood for pecuniary benefit. It is, therefore, necessary to inculcate motivational campaign and also educate the blood donors to devote in donating willingly without being remunerated. The Nigerian government should also rely on these findings to legislate on how to regulate blood donation abuse especially for those that do it for pecuniary benefit.