Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Blood Management Units play a crucial role in the procurement of blood for medical purposes. However, the high rate of blood donor deferrals remains a significant challenge in maintaining an adequate blood supply. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to blood donor deferrals at the Sub Blood Management Unit of Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of deferred donors and the primary reasons for deferred donors to improve the efficiency of blood donor management.

Methods: This research is an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional retrospective approach. The data were obtained from the donor registration information system and database of deferred donors at Blood Management Units of Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, from 2022 to 2023. The data were analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests.

Result: Out of 7,170 donors, 9.4% (674 donors) were deferred. The majority of deferred donors were female (55.6%), with the primary reasons for deferral being low hemoglobin levels (<12.5 g/dL) and hypertension. Blood group O was the most commonly deferred (42.3%). There was no significant association between deferral and gender (p=0.807) or age (p=0.465). Replacement donors were more frequently deferred (61.9%) compared to voluntary donors (38.1%).

Conclusion: The high rate of blood donor deferrals is primarily due to health factors such as low hemoglobin levels and hypertension.