Current and future research
Currently, our department is using DIS-data to answer a variety of research questions. Here we will provide a short overview of current and planned studies.
DIS profile
This study describes the reasoning behind, aims, measurements and results of DIS-I, -II and –III, provides characteristics of the population and shows data on its representativeness of the Dutch donor population.
Life events
How does blood donor behaviour change across the life course? This study investigates donor careers by examining how and which life events impact blood donor lapse, using data from DIS-I and -II. Our results indicate that childbirth, getting a job and losing a job increased the likelihood for donor lapse, while a blood transfusion for someone close and death of a loved one decreased the likelihood for donor lapse. Moreover, we found that both social and practical concerns play a role in the decision to be involved in blood donation and that this decision is susceptible to change over time.
Donor lifestyle behaviour and haemolyses
Are lifestyle behaviours of DIS-III donors associated with haemolyses in red cell concentrates and is this association mediated by LDL cholesterol and triglycerides? We did not find evidence of mediation, but we did find LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to be positively associated with haemolyses in red cell concentrates.
Ferritin, zinc protoporphyrin and low hemoglobin deferral
This study investigates the predictive value of ferritin, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) and haemoglobin (Hb) for low-Hb deferral at the subsequent donation by using DIS-III data. Higher predictive values for subsequent low-Hb deferral were found for Hb and ferritin compared with ZPP. The predictive value of the models improved when previous donation history and age were added.
Urbanization and blood lipids
We are currently studying the relation between urbanization and blood lipid levels in the Netherlands. In a systematic review on built environmental characteristics and blood lipid levels we found that blood lipid profiles were less favourable in urban areas as compared to rural areas. However, mainly studies from low-middle income countries were included in this review. Therefore, we aim to study whether urbanization has different effects on lifestyle behaviours in a high income than in low-middle income countries.
Donor lifestyle behaviour and iron
To what extent is ferritin a mediator in associations between lifestyle behaviours (dietary iron intake and physical activity) and haemoglobin levels? DIS-III data will be used to study this research question. We expect associations between lifestyle behaviours and haemoglobin to be mediated by ferritin levels.
Collaborate with us on using DIS-data?
In addition to the research questions already under study by our team, DIS data can be used to study many more questions. Besides, DIS donors can serve as a healthy control group in studies that are not blood donation-related. We happily invite researchers to contact us to explore possibilities for collaboration. More information on DIS.
