Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Blood Donation in Pakistan: A Nationwide Survey

Abstract

Introduction: In Pakistan, the blood donation and transfusion practices are based on primitive practice of replacement donors whereas all around the world, the coherent practice of voluntary blood donation has replaced the replacement donation.Pakistan, as a signatory to the World Health Organization (WHO) resolution has thus envisioned reaching 100% Voluntary Non Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD) by the year 2020. Material and methods:The study was conducted to understand the current state of affairs of potential future donors with the objective of creating a directed Public Awareness Campaign (PAC).A cross-sectional, descriptive study was done and forms filled by 3,000 respondents from all over Pakistan.A pretested questionnaire form with 30 questions assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the respondents was used.The results were analyzed by SPSS 17.Results: Out of the total participants, 49% were non donors and 22% were replacement donors.Main source of information on blood donation were friends and family, i.e. 65%.Misconception regarding blood donation were rampant with 62% respondents believing that blood donation can result in transfusion transmitted infection.Negative attitude stemmed from fear of the procedure in 59% respondents.A majority of respondents, i.e. 84% had access to internet, 96% had mobile phones and 44% of respondents used social media in their leisure time.This resource can be tapped for reliable and effective public awareness campaign.The reason for donation was altruism in 56% cases and pressure from family and friends 28%.Conclusion: Misconceptions and fear against voluntary donation of blood need to be addressed via a reliable and accessible medium.The internet and social media seems promising for such a Public Awareness Campaign.

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