National Disasters in Iran and Blood Donation: Bam Earthquake Experience

Background: Understanding the characteristics of blood donors donating in disasters may help predicting the blood safety and adequacy. We investigated the blood supply and safety during Bam earthquake in east of Iran. Methods: Both pre and post studies were performed on the donors without considering any control group in Shiraz blood donors after the earthquake and one month before it. We compared the demographic characteristics and prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV among them. Then, they were followed for 24 months to find out their return rate. Results: The number of donors, especially first-time donors, was significantly increased after the earthquake. The prevalence rates of HBS Ag, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab were not significantly different. The return rate of the firsttime blood donors after the earthquake was lower than that of the first-time donors before it (P<0.05). Conclusion: The number of blood donors after the earthquake increased. In spite of the increased rate of the first-time donations, the prevalence of HBS antigen, HCV antibody and HIV antibody did not change. It seems that disaster has only a short-term effect on the desire of donors for donation.