Distinguishing characteristics of blood donor segments defined in terms of donation frequency.

Demographic, psychographic, and blood donation factors were hypothesized to account for differences among blood donor segments defined on the basis of frequency of donation. A stepwise multiple discriminant analysis shows 10 of the 29 initial predictor factors to be very useful for distinguishing among the donor categories. The gender of the donor, locus of control, risk taking, humanitarianism, and other factors differentiate donor categories. Results are considered in relation to prior research and theorizing, and the strategic implications for collection agency and hospital administration are given.