Blood donation by African migrants and refugees in Australia

Changing population demographics have important implications for the ability of transfusion services to meet the transfusion requirements of minority groups. In Western countries, differences in red-blood-cell (RBC) antigens between predominantly Caucasian blood donors and recipients from different demographic backgrounds may result in higher RBC alloimmunization rates, particularly in those who are chronically transfused, and can make it more difficult to source compatible blood. Ensuring blood donors are representative of the general population is particularly relevant for patients of African descent, who have a number of important blood group differences from Caucasians. However, there are challenges in ensuring a representative donor population, especially when the national population is very multicultural. Research in African migrants and refugees living in Australia has identified blood donation knowledge, misconceptions about blood donation from experiences prior to migration, and perceptions or experiences of discrimination within the host country as important determinants of blood donation. Therefore, promotion of knowledge and awareness of blood donation and blood and health service processes should be considered to assist with the recruitment of migrant donors.