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"They don't want our blood": Social inclusion and blood donation among African migrants in Australia

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  • Polonsky, Michael Jay
  • Brijnath, Bianca
  • Renzaho, André M.N.

Abstract

The current study examines how feelings of social inclusion influence migrant communities' predisposition to donate blood, focusing specifically on Sub-Saharan African communities in Australia. We begin by explicating the theoretical links between social inclusion, citizenship and blood donation before discussing local and international perspectives of blood donation among African migrant communities. Using qualitative methods comprising nine focus group discussions, held between March and April 2010, we argue that blood donation intentions are mediated by whether or not individuals feel included in their new host society. Real and perceived discrimination experienced by African migrants in their everyday social interactions or in institutional settings can act as a barrier to blood donation. We conclude that removing such barriers, thereby increasing rates of donation in migrant communities, will help to build social capital and inclusion. Strategies for how this can be achieved are outlined.

Suggested Citation

  • Polonsky, Michael Jay & Brijnath, Bianca & Renzaho, André M.N., 2011. ""They don't want our blood": Social inclusion and blood donation among African migrants in Australia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(2), pages 336-342, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:73:y:2011:i:2:p:336-342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Morgan, Myfanwy & Mayblin, Maya & Jones, Roger, 2008. "Ethnicity and registration as a kidney donor: The significance of identity and belonging," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 147-158, January.
    2. Correa-Velez, Ignacio & Gifford, Sandra M. & Barnett, Adrian G., 2010. "Longing to belong: Social inclusion and wellbeing among youth with refugee backgrounds in the first three years in Melbourne, Australia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(8), pages 1399-1408, October.
    3. Fairhead, James & Leach, Melissa & Small, Mary, 2006. "Where techno-science meets poverty: Medical research and the economy of blood in The Gambia, West Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(4), pages 1109-1120, August.
    4. Gilson, Lucy, 2003. "Trust and the development of health care as a social institution," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(7), pages 1453-1468, April.
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    1. Bednall, Timothy C. & Bove, Liliana L. & Cheetham, Ali & Murray, Andrea L., 2013. "A systematic review and meta-analysis of antecedents of blood donation behavior and intentions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 86-94.
    2. Haw, Jennie & Thorpe, Rachel & Holloway, Kelly, 2021. "Maintaining trust in a pandemic: Blood collection agency messaging to donors and the public during the early days of COVID-19," SocArXiv f2c8v, Center for Open Science.

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