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The main purpose of this research is investigating the role of religion in sculpting blood donation behavior in younger adults by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this research is investigating the role of religion in sculpting blood donation behavior in younger adults by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data, and in total, 242 questionnaires of undergraduate students from four large universities in Iran were analyzed. The suggested research model was tested by structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicate that religious beliefs have a positive influence on the attitude toward blood donation. Therefore, it seems that the influence of religion on prosocial activities such as blood donation is considerable. Moreover, attitudes, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms have a positive influence on the intention to blood donation. The research findings are consistent with the TPB model.
Originality/value
Previous research on blood donation has not considered religious beliefs in the TPB. The contribution of this study is examining the relationships between attitude and behavior with respect to religious beliefs as a silent shaping agent of attitude.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of WeChat public platforms (abbreviated as WPP) on blood donation behavior using data from the platforms’ backend and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of WeChat public platforms (abbreviated as WPP) on blood donation behavior using data from the platforms’ backend and information system.
Design/methodology/approach
First, this paper established a time-varying difference-in-difference (DID) model to evaluate the change before and after following the WPP under normal scenarios. The difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD) method was further used to analyze the heterogeneous effects of gender, age, occupation and education. Second, a logit model was used to examine the impact of WPP on blood donation behavior under emergency scenarios (i.e. COVID-19).
Findings
The research shows that following WPP has a positive impact on donation volume. For each donor, the average blood donation volume after following WPP increased by 12.94% compared to before following. The WPP has a greater impact on groups with males, medical staff, middle-aged individuals and those with primary school education. Following WPP also enhanced blood donation behavior in emergency scenarios. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the probability of fans donating blood was 2.6% higher than non-fans, and the average blood donation volume of fans was 7.04% higher than non-fans, which was 5.9% lower than in normal scenarios.
Originality/value
For theory, this paper quantified the impact of WPP on blood donation behavior in normal and emergency scenarios and addressed the research gap surrounding the impact exerted by social media on blood donation behavior. For methodology, the time-varying DID model, DDD model and logit model were applied to the field of blood donation, which expanded the application scenarios. For practice, the findings are of great significance for recruiting blood donors and providing evidence for promotion on WPP.
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Meikel Soliman and Silke Boenigk
Imbedded in the life course paradigm, the purpose of this paper is to investigate which individual life events impact blood donations and to study their underlying mechanisms.
Abstract
Purpose
Imbedded in the life course paradigm, the purpose of this paper is to investigate which individual life events impact blood donations and to study their underlying mechanisms.
Design/methodology/approach
By applying logistic regression, moderation and mediation analysis, this paper uses a large sample of N = 5,640 individuals.
Findings
Experiencing normative life events and stressful life events reduce the likelihood of donating blood, whereas human capital life events enhance the likelihood of donating blood. Specifically, having a child and death of a mother decrease and finishing education increases the probability of blood donations. Locus of control and satisfaction with income are significant underlying mechanisms.
Practical implications
Social marketing campaigns can use individual life events to focus on similarities between potential blood donors and individuals in need of blood. Blood centers can adopt their services to cater to the changing needs after experiencing individual life events by running mobile blood collecting drives and providing guidance.
Social implications
Blood centers take an important role in sustaining a healthy society. As the need for blood will increase in the future, a better understanding of blood donation behavior and social marketing contributes to increased donations.
Originality/value
While previous research looked at collective life events, there is a dearth in marketing and blood literature on the effects of individual life events.
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Xinyu Guo, Xu Chen and Xiaoke Liang
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact and mechanism of WeChat public platforms articles (abbreviated as WPP) on blood donation behavior using data of WPPA and donation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact and mechanism of WeChat public platforms articles (abbreviated as WPP) on blood donation behavior using data of WPPA and donation behavior data.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses multiple linear regression methods, web crawlers and natural language processing technology. It first quantifies the impact of WPP published articles on donation behavior. On this basis, it then selects data from the day of article publication to further study the impact of article dissemination on donation behavior from the perspective of reading quantity, and analyzes the influencing factors of article reading quantity.
Findings
The results show that on the same day that an article is published, there is an increase of 13.8 and 14.3% in blood donation volume and fan registrations, respectively. The mediating effect exists. However, the day after an article is published, there is no longer any effect on blood donations. With a 1% increase in reading quantity, blood donation volume on the day of article publication increases by 0.13%, and this positive impact is promoted by the quality of the articles. A conc ise articles title and body and rich images help drive reading quantity. Moreover, blood donors prefer to read articles about blood dynamics and donation promotion, while articles about news, announcements and administrative affairs make them less inclined to read.
Originality/value
First, it focuses on WPPA, quantifies the impact of articles on blood donation behavior and analyzes the mechanism. Second, the authors study the impact and timeliness of social media article dissemination to address the insufficiency of existing research. Third, the study provides a scientific basis for the editing and publishing of articles, helping blood banks improve the effectiveness of publicity and recruitment.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to link subjective data obtained from a questionnaire survey with blood donation behavioral data, constructs a conceptual model of the factors that influence repeated blood donation behavior, and explores the mechanisms and degrees of influence of the value and cost elements of blood donors on repeated blood donation behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
First, this study constructs a conceptual model of the factors that affect repeated blood donation based on delivered value theory. Second, this paper is driven by subjective data obtained from a questionnaire and big data on blood donation behavior; the use of multisource data can help us understand repeated blood donation behavior from a broader perspective. Through data association and systematic research, it is possible to accurately explore the mechanisms through which various factors affect repeated blood donation behavior.
Findings
The results show that among the value elements, personnel value (PV), image value and blood donation value affect blood donation behavior in decreasing order. The change in PV per unit directly caused a 0.471-unit change in satisfaction, which indirectly caused a 0.098-unit change in donation behavior. Among the cost elements of blood donors, only the impact of time cost (TC) on repeated blood donation behavior was significant, and a change of one unit in TC caused a change in repeated blood donation behavior of −0.035 units. In addition, this paper groups subjects according to gender, education and age and explores the differences in the value and cost factors of different groups. Finally, based on the research results, the authors propose corresponding policy recommendations.
Originality/value
First, the authors expand the application field of the delivered value theory, and provide a new perspective for studying repeated blood donation. Second, through questionnaire data and blood donation behavior data, the authors comprehensively explore the factors that influence repeated blood donation behavior.
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Laurence Leigh, Michael Bist and Roxana Alexe
The aim of this paper is to motivate blood donation among international students and demonstrate the applicability of marketing techniques in the health care sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to motivate blood donation among international students and demonstrate the applicability of marketing techniques in the health care sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a combination of focus groups and a questionnaire‐based survey.
Findings
The paper finds that donors primarily find gratification from their altruistic acts through awareness of their contribution to saving lives. Receiving information on how each individual donation is used is seen as a powerful means of reinforcement. Practical benefits such as receiving free blood test information are also useful motivators, while communicating the professionalism of the blood collection techniques are important for reassuring the minority of prospective donors who expressed fears about possible risks associated with blood donation.
Research limitations/implications
Since this was a small‐scale study among Hungarian and international students in Budapest, further research is necessary to validate its results among other demographic groups.
Practical implications
Findings were reported to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Hungary in order to increase blood donations among students in Hungary. Subject to validation through further research, applying recommended approaches in different countries and other demographic groups is suggested.
Originality/value
This is the first research paper on motivation toward blood donation among international students and offers new and practical suggestions for increasing their level of participation in blood drives.
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Michael Jay Polonsky, Ahmed Ferdous, Nichola Robertson, Sandra Jones, Andre Renzaho and Joanne Telenta
This study aims to test the efficacy of the awareness of a transformative health service communication intervention targeted to African refugees in Australia, designed to increase…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test the efficacy of the awareness of a transformative health service communication intervention targeted to African refugees in Australia, designed to increase their intentions to participate in blood donation and reduce any identified barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the intervention launch, a survey was administered to African refugees. The data were analysed with structural equation modelling.
Findings
Intervention awareness increases refugees’ blood donation knowledge and intentions. Although it has no direct effect on refugees’ medical mistrust or perceived discrimination, intervention awareness indirectly reduces medical mistrust. The findings, thus, suggest that the intervention was transformative: it directly and indirectly reduced barriers to refugee participation in blood donation services.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include a relatively small sample size, single-country context and measures that address blood donation intentions versus behaviours.
Social implications
Addressing health service inequities through intervention awareness, via the mere exposure effect, can facilitate refugees’ health service participation and inclusion.
Originality/value
This study contributes to transformative service research and responds to calls to improve individual and community well-being by testing a transformative intervention targeted towards vulnerable consumers. Not all targeted refugees donated blood, but being encouraged to participate in this health service within the host society can foster their greater inclusion.
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Michael Polonsky, Kate Francis and Andre Renzaho
The aim of this study was to assess whether the removal of blood donation “barriers” facilitates blood donation intentions, using a sample of African migrants, and to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess whether the removal of blood donation “barriers” facilitates blood donation intentions, using a sample of African migrants, and to identify the implications for social marketing. African migrants are currently under-represented as blood donors in Australia. Some members of the African community have unique donation needs that can only be served by this community.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews were conducted with 425 people from the African community in Victoria and South Australia. Factor analysis was performed on the barriers and the removal of barriers. Item groupings for both constructs differed, suggesting that barriers and their removal are not necessarily opposite constructs.
Findings
The cultural society factor was negatively associated with blood donation intention (i.e. a barrier), whereas engagement and overcoming fear were positively associated with blood donation intention (i.e. facilitators). Cultural issues and lack of understanding were not seen to impede blood donation. Additionally, the removal of cultural barriers did not facilitate increases in blood donation intentions. Thus, the removal of barriers may not be sufficient on their own to encourage donation.
Research limitations/implications
This only examines the issue with regards to whether the removal of barriers is a facilitator of blood donation with one group of migrants, and relationships may vary across other migrant and non-migrant groups.
Practical implications
Policymakers often use social marketing interventions to overcome barriers as a way of facilitating blood donation. This research suggests that removing barriers is indeed important because these barriers impede people considering becoming blood donors. However, the findings also suggest that the removal of barriers is insufficient on its own to motivate blood donations (i.e. the removal of barriers is a hygiene factor). If this is the case, social marketing campaigns need to be multifaceted, removing barriers as well as leveraging facilitators, simultaneously.
Social implications
This work identified that the impact of barriers and their removal may facilitate effective social marketing campaigns in differing ways, in the context of blood donation.
Originality/value
How barriers and their removal impact social marketing activities (i.e. blood donation behaviour) has generally not been explored in research.
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Judith Holdershaw, Philip Gendall and Malcolm Wright
The purpose of this paper is to test whether, in the context of blood donation, the predictive ability of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) extends from behavioural intention…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test whether, in the context of blood donation, the predictive ability of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) extends from behavioural intention to actual donation behaviour, and whether extended versions of the TPB perform better than the standard version.
Design/methodology/approach
Intentions to donate blood predicted by the TPB are compared with an accurate measure of blood donation behaviour obtained following a mobile blood drive by the New Zealand Blood Service.
Findings
When the observed outcome is donation behaviour rather than behavioural intention, the TPB model's performance drops. Extending the variables in the model to include moral obligation and past behaviour does not improve its predictive ability, and neither does the use of belief‐based variables.
Practical implications
The TPB is much less effective in predicting blood donation behaviour than it is in predicting intentions to donate blood. But only actual donation behaviour yields medical supplies. This study suggests that to advance the goal of increasing donation rates, attention needs to turn to methods other than the TPB to identify variables that do predict donation behaviour.
Originality/value
The present study gathered one of the largest samples used for TPB blood donation research; this enabled predictions made using the TPB to be tested against actual behaviour, rather than behavioural intention, the measure typically used in blood donation studies. Because blood donation is a low‐incidence behaviour, previous studies have been hampered by small sample sizes, that inevitably contain few donors, and no measure of actual donation behaviour.
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Yanfeng Zhou, Patrick Poon and Chunling Yu
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that there are three major blood donor segments in China, namely benefit‐oriented donors, altruistic donors and health salience donors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that there are three major blood donor segments in China, namely benefit‐oriented donors, altruistic donors and health salience donors, with the use of factor‐cluster segmentation approach. It also investigates the blood donation attitudes, group characteristics, and preference for information acquisition of the identified donor segments.
Design/methodology/approach
A factor‐cluster segmentation approach was used in this study. A questionnaire survey on Chinese respondents who had just completed a blood donation process was conducted in China and 7‐point Likert‐type questions were used to measure the respondents’ attitude toward blood donation, their motivation to donate blood, lifestyles, demographics and information acquisition. K‐means non‐hierarchical clustering method was used to segment groups of blood donors. ANOVAs were conducted to assess the differences regarding the blood donation factors across the cluster segments.
Findings
Results demonstrate that there are three blood donor segments as predicted. Benefit‐oriented donors are found to be the largest cluster (42.6 per cent), followed by altruistic donors (29.6 per cent) and health salience donors (27.8 per cent). The three clusters of donors show some extent of differences in attitudes toward blood donation, lifestyles and preference for information acquisition.
Social implications
Through a better understanding of the donor segments, a more effective marketing communication strategy can be formulated. This can promote more blood donation by the first‐time and repeat blood donors and may save many more lives in a society.
Originality/value
The major advertising appeal for blood donation is altruistic in nature, particularly in Western countries. However, in other emerging countries such as China, some other appeals may be even more effective. Benefit appeal or health fitness appeal may be a better option in marketing communication strategy.
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