Demographic and health profile of older Australian blood donors: results from the Extended Donor Vigilance data linkage study (EDV:Link). (17th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gemelli, Carley N.; Thijsen, Amanda; Karki, Surendra; Davison, Tanya E.; Irving, David O.; Wright, Stephen T.
• Is Part Of: ISBT science series. Volume 13:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 420
• Publication Date: 2018-10-17
• Subjects: blood donor -- data linkage -- demographics -- long‐term health outcomes -- observational cohort study; Blood -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Immunohematology -- Periodicals; Immunopathology -- Periodicals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1111/voxs.12459
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2816

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Objectives: Within Australia, there is a desire to increase blood donation frequency to meet the increasing demand for plasma and certain blood types. However, little is known about any long‐term health consequences for donors. To address this gap, a data linkage study has been conducted, linking routine blood collection data to existing health outcome related data sources to create the Extended Donor Vigilance (EDV:Link) cohort. This paper describes the demographics and health characteristics of this cohort. Materials and Methods: Australian Red Cross Blood Service data were linked to the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study, to asses self‐reported health risk behaviours, and the New South Wales Admitted Patients Database Collection (hospital records), to examine the hospitalization pattern. Participants were classified and described as current donors, lapsed donors and non‐donors. Results: Of the 266 885 participants in the 45 and Up Study, 25 231 (9·5%) were identified as current donors and 12 452 (4·7%) as lapsed donors. Compared to non‐donors, current donors were younger, more highly educated, more likely to be in paid employment, more likely to be a non‐smoker, consumed more alcohol and were more physically active. Compared to lapsed donors, current donors were younger, had fewer comorbidities and better self‐reported health, consumed more alcohol and were more physically active. Conclusion: Through the linkage of various health administrative data sets, the EDV:Link cohort provides rich information to answer important research questions relating to the sustainability of the Australian blood supply and long‐term health outcomes of blood donors.