Stem cell transplantation can be the only potentially curative treatment for several life-threatening blood disorders. For a transplant to be possible, a genetically compatible donor is needed.
In Sweden, around 2.1 million people aged 18鈥�35 are eligible to register as stem cell donors, but only around 260,000 are registered with the Tobias Registry. In addition, approximately one in four people who order a sample kit do not return their sample.
Registration can be viewed as a process involving several decision points. This project focuses on two of these: ordering a sample kit and returning the sample, thereby completing registration. The difference between these steps makes it possible to study what happens when an initial willingness to help has to be translated into action.
The researchers conduct qualitative interviews with people at different stages of the registration process. The interviews aim to provide a deeper understanding of factors including motivation over time, perceived effort, uncertainty, risk perception and trust.
Project purpose
The purpose of the project is to investigate which demographic, social and psychological factors influence whether people begin and complete the process of registering as stem cell donors. The project will also develop and evaluate behavioural science-based interventions that can increase both the ordering and return of sample kits.
Project objectives
The aim is to identify effective and scalable ways of increasing both the initiation and completion of registration. In this way, the project can contribute to improved recruitment to the Tobias Registry while also providing new knowledge about how people鈥檚 willingness to help others can be translated into action when the process involves uncertainty, effort and delay.
