CompletedNot Applicable

Bloodsafe Ghana- Iron and Nutritional Counseling Strategy Pilot Study

Ghana223 participantsStarted 2021-09-07

Plain-language summary

This pilot study has 2 components: 1) a cross-sectional assessment designed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia leading to donor deferral, the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among first-time donors, and 2) a longitudinal 2-arm parallel groups trial among first- time voluntary donors that compares haemoglobin levels at 4 months among those with ID or IDA who receive iron supplementation to those without ID or IDA who do not receive iron supplementation. A structured questionnaire will be used to extract demographic characteristics. Participants will be followed for a total of 6 months with study visits at 2, 4 and 6 months after the baseline assessments. Blood draws for full blood count (FBC), peripheral film comment, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and ferritin assessment will occur at baseline and all follow-up visits. In addition, we will use a qualitative approach to identify barriers and facilitators of blood donation and the use of dietary and iron supplementation strategies to address iron deficiency and/or anaemia. This will involve conducting focus group discussions during the last month of the intervention and key informant interviews. Expected Outcomes The expected outcomes of the study have been grouped into two, primary and secondary. Primary Outcome will be haemoglobin level after 4 months. Secondary Outcomes are A. Change in haemoglobin levels B. Diagnosis of ID or IDA at 4 months C. Serum ferritin concentration after 4 months of intervention D. Acceptability of iron supplementation among participants and stakeholders E. Incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events F. Incidence of suspected malaria or bacterial infections G. Incidence of ID and IDA H. Successful return (non-deferred) to the blood donor pool after intervention within 6 months of enrolment I. Key barriers and facilitators of intervention implementation.

Who can participate

Age range

17 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Males or females aged between 17 and 60 years who weigh at least 50kg. * Pass pre-donation screening using the NBSG standardised donor screening questionnaire for medical conditions and lifestyle risks for transfusion transmissible infections * Vital signs must meet the NBSG requirement for blood donation: systolic and diastolic blood pressures between 90-140 mmHg and 60- 90 mmHg, respectively; pulse rate between 50-100 bpm; non-contact forehead temperature not exceeding 37.5°C; meeting acceptable requirements for skin lesions, needle marks and physical appearance. * Must be willing and able to give study consent or assent. * Intend to remain in the study location/site during the entire length of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Persons who have used iron supplementation within the past one month. * Participant reports having previously donated blood. * Evidence for a TTI at baseline among those who successfully donated. * Evidence of Malaria and helminthic infections at baseline * Participants who have Hb \<10g/dl at screening

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Haemoglobin Level

Timeframe: 4 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04949165

SponsorUniversity of Minnesota

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-05-31

Results submitted2024-05-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Iron-deficiency Anemia trials