Psychological Effects of Blood Donation on Chinese Donors: Pre and Post Survey Analysis and Potential Improvement Strategies

Abstract

As globalisation encourages migration and the blending of diverse cultures, Canadian blood donation faces new opportunities and challenges. According to Statistique Canada, “there were more than 1.7 million Chinese people residing in Canada in 2021… representing 4.7% of the total population” and we can get more detailed content on Statistics Canada, the aticle is "Chinese New Year and quality of life among Chinese in Canada". As the Chinese population, including Chinese international students, permanent residents, and Chinese Canadians, grows in Canada, how to attract this group of donors is crucial to sustaining Canada's blood reservoir. For this reason, a self-report psychological survey was spread near Vancouver, British Columbia, directed toward participants who identified themselves as ethnically Chinese, or Chinese Canadian. To understand the Chinese donor’s psychological shifts and needs experienced by them during the process of donating blood, it was found through this psychological survey that Chinese donors generally feel psychological unease before donating blood, such as unfamiliarity with the blood donation process and worries about potential side effects after donating blood. Similarly, it is recommended to enhance communication efficiency between Chinese donors, who may not speak English fluently, and the staff members by employing more multilingual staff, along with considering the recruitment of a psychological counselling team, to strengthen the current blood donation system. Implementing improvements for raising awareness and publicising blood donation, generating a comforting experience and environment for Chinese donors, and strengthening safety measures and trust in the process are also essential. All the possible suggestions are proposed in the hope of eliminating the psychological anxiety of Chinese donors, which may enhance their willingness and motivation to donate blood and increase the blood supply for Canada’s blood reserve.