A Comparative Study between Blood Donors and the General Population in Uttar Pradesh, India, to Analyse the Triggers for Donation
Keywords:
Blood donation, blood donors, voluntary donationAbstract
Background- Despite its large population, access to safe blood is disproportionately low in India. To recruit more members from the general population into the pool of voluntary donors, it is essential to understand the differences in their knowledge, attitudes and practices; and utilise the existing resources to eliminate them.
Methods- A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 180 donors and an equal number of potential donors randomly selected from the community, using a structured questionnaire containing questions on attitudes and practices. Knowledge was assessed by interview by a single observer.
Results- Donors were found to have a highly significant difference (p<0.00001) from the general population in age, gender distribution, marital status and socioeconomic status and significant difference in educational level (p<0.05). Knowledge about blood donation practices was significantly higher in donors (p=0.0002). Replacement donors constituted 82.2% of the donor category, while voluntary donors dominated (52.3%) in the community. Commonest reasons for non-donation in both groups included apathy. Misconceptions regarding pain, weakness, and increased chances of infection were prevalent. Donors were less likely to perceive blood donation as risky (p<0.00001). There was a highly significant difference in the attitude towards incentives (p<0.00001), the donor group supporting and the community denouncing them. Replacement credits were the most popular incentive. In the donor group, a markedly higher (p=0.0003) proportion had a history of previous donations (55% vs.36.1%). Most of them had a higher number (p<0.00001) and greater frequency of donation. Donors generally reported a better donation experience (p=0.00003) and less complications than the general population (p=0.0002).
Conclusions-There is a need to recruit women and young donors from the community, and promote donor retention. Blood donation drives play important role in creating awareness, educating the masses and dispelling myths and misconceptions.
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