Exploring MSM blood donor profiles: a descriptive analysis of demographics, risk characteristics, and donation behaviors

Abstract

Background - The importance of addressing the blood donor population among men who have sex with men (MSM) is increasing with the global liberalization of blood donor deferral policies. Effective donor management, especially retaining existing donors and recruiting new donors, is essential for a safe and sufficient blood supply. Strategies to engage the broader blood donation population are well-established. However, the historical exclusion of MSM from blood donation, based on heightened HIV risk, has limited the understanding of MSM's unique behavioral and risk characteristics as potential donors. Characterizing these donors (and non-donors) will be useful for blood services to tailor outreach and engagement strategies effectively as deferral policies continue to evolve.

Materials and methods - Data from a national behavioral surveillance program of MSM in New Zealand were examined. We explored differences in demographic and risk characteristics associated with an increased risk of HIV across three groups (i.e., profiles) sorted by their donation history and recency: non-donors, non-active donors, and active donors.

Results - Clear characteristics associated with each donor profile emerged among the 3,225 MSM participants. Active donors (4.2%) were younger, students, less engaged with the LGBTQI+ community, reported fewer risk behaviors and were less sexually active. Non-active donors (36.9%) typically exhibited more characteristics associated with an increased risk of HIV. However, non-donor profiles (56.7%) were less clear in comparison, sharing demographic similarities with active donors but displaying risk characteristics similar to those of non-active donors.

Discussion - In this first study to describe MSM blood donor profiles, we have identified unique characteristics specific to MSM which blood services can use to pinpoint targets for engaging current, new, and previous donors. Future research should examine the factors affecting non-donor status among MSM, as they do not appear to be solely driven by demographic and recent behavioral risk factors.