Addressing Fear and Risk of Vasovagal Reactions Among High School Donors

In this study, high school donors will be asked about their blood donation-related fears prior to their donation. Half of the donors reporting fear will be assigned to a brief coping skills intervention.

In this study the investigators will ask high school donors about their blood donation-related fears prior to their donation. Among those who report donation fear, half will be randomly assigned to receive a brief presentation of coping strategies administered via a computer tablet. The investigators will compare reaction rates and return behavior for the donors and high school drives where the study was conducted to the reaction and retention rates from similar blood drives where no data was collected. The investigators will also examine whether asking about the specific types of fear improves the prediction of syncopal or presyncopal reactions beyond the predictive value of a single fear question. Finally, the investigators will examine whether providing coping information to help manage the fear improves syncopal reaction rates and/or donor retention rates among fearful donors.

Investigators are masked because the participants are randomized and the intervention is delivered by a computer tablet. The outcome assessor is masked because donation-related data is recorded by blood collection staff who are unaware that donors may be participants in a study.

Participants who report blood donation-related fear who are assigned to this study arm will answer several questions then proceed through the normal blood donation process.

Participants who report blood donation-related fear who are assigned to this study arm will answer several questions and view a brief presentation of coping strategies presented via a computer tablet. They will then proceed through the normal blood donation process.

Participants who report no blood donation-related fear will proceed through the normal blood donation process.

Coping information related to the fear that was identified by the participant will be presented via a computer tablet.

Inclusion Criteria: To be eligible for inclusion in this study, the individual must have presented to donate blood at a New York Blood Center high school blood drive where data is being collected and have passed the health screening process. Exclusion Criteria: Less than 16 years of age; inability to read and comprehend English