Résumé
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of information with videotape to platelet donors on the degree of anxiety and discomfort. METHODS: Between April and September 1999, we evaluated 200 first-time donors; 100 donors were selected for experiment group and informed of the platelet donation with videotape, while 100 other donors in the control group were not informed with videotape. Data were collected by using constructed questionnaires. RESLUTS: There were not significant differences regarding the degree of state anxiety between the control group and the experiment group. The degree of discomfort felt by the platelet donors of the experiment group was similar compared to the control group. There was a correlation between the anxiety and the discomfort induced during platelet donation in both experiment and control groups. The only factor influencing anxiety and discomfort was the physical condition. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that providing information through videotape did not have noticeable effect on reducing the anxiety and discomfort of the platelet donors. It is important to assess physical condition of platelet donors for more comfortable platelet donation. Based on these results, it can be proposed that more developed and effective videotape made under supervision of a specialist should be used for further providing information to the donors.