Low compliance of men having sex with men with self-deferral from blood donation in a Chinese population

Abstract

Background. The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in men having sex with men (MSM) is generally higher than that in the average adult male population. In Hong Kong a permanent deferral mechanism is in place to minimise viral transmission during the window period. As regards donor deferral, the attitudes and behaviours of MSM in the community are crucial to ensuring blood safety. Materials and methods. A web-based questionnaire was constructed in the Chinese language. Through online advertisement and the assistance of outreach workers, sexually active MSM were recruited to participate in the survey. The questionnaire was composed of items on: (i) demographics, (ii) history and frequency of blood donations, (iii) profile of sexual practice, and (iv) views on time-limited vs permanent deferral. Results. Over a 6-week period in 2012, 250 MSM, three-quarters of whom were aged between 16 and 30 years old, were recruited. Almost half (47.6%) gave a history of blood donation. The majority (75.6%) were repeat donors, one-third of whom gave blood every 3-6 months. Compared to non-donors, a higher proportion of blood donors had had anal sex and multiple partners in the preceding year, while their condom usage rate was similar. Current donors were inclined to agree with time-limited deferral. With the latter's implementation, the number of donors would increase, but the compliance rate might vary widely. Discussion. Blood donation is common among MSM in Hong Kong. The risk of HIV transmission depends largely on their compliance with the deferral mechanism applied, irrespectively of whether it is permanent or time-limited. © SIMTI Servizi Srl.