Communication Methods for Blood Donation Retention
(C-CAD Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the WhatsApp groups or docudrama compared to a control group (usual engagement with blood services) on repeat blood donation attempts among first-time blood donors in Ghana. Secondary outcomes will be blood donor retention, blood donation knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, motivations, intention to donate, and relatedness as potential mediators of blood donation behavior among first-time blood donors. The RCT will have three arms: 1. WhatsApp; 2. docudrama; 3. control. Each participant in the WhatsApp and docudrama arms will receive the intervention for 14 months. Participants in the control arm will receive standard national blood donation communications and be followed for 14 months. Actualized blood donation is possible every four months using NBSG guidelines; consequently, participants may make multiple blood donation attempts. Return blood donation attempts will be evaluated using the Southern Zonal Blood Center (SZBC) records (primary outcome) and participant self-report (secondary outcome) at 7 months and 14 months. Secondary measures will be evaluated at baseline, 7 and 14 months from enrollment. The duration of the RCT will be 26 months allowing for 12 months to achieve enrollment goals and 14 months of follow-up for the last individual enrolled.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment docudrama, WhatsApp, for blood donation retention?
Is it safe to use communication methods like text messaging for blood donation retention?
How does the WhatsApp treatment for blood donation retention differ from other treatments?
The WhatsApp treatment for blood donation retention is unique because it uses a popular messaging app to send persuasive communication messages to donors, aiming to increase their return rates. Unlike traditional methods, this approach leverages mobile health technology to potentially overcome geographical and socioeconomic barriers, although it was not found to be effective in increasing return rates in the study.12489
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for first-time blood donors in Ghana who are at least 18 years old, understand English, Twi, or Ga, have a smartphone with WhatsApp or are willing to sign up for it. They must be eligible to donate again and agree to watch a docudrama on blood donation.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive either WhatsApp messages or attend docudrama sessions to encourage blood donation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for repeat blood donation attempts and secondary outcomes
Treatment Details
Interventions
- docudrama
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor
National Blood Service Ghana
Collaborator
University of Ghana
Collaborator
National Blood Service Ghana
Collaborator
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Collaborator
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator
University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences
Collaborator
Syracuse University
Collaborator
University of Minnesota, Coordinating Centers for Biometric Research
Collaborator