Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Blood Donation Among a Sample of Volunteers in the Holy Karbala City / Iraq

Abstract

Across–sectional study carried out in the Blood Transfusion Center at the holy Karbala city/ Iraq. the aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes  and practices regarding the bases and process of blood donation, during four months started from the 2^nd of January to  end of April 2017, A total of 446 individuals were interviewed, were donors ‘attendants to the Blood Transfusion Center '',. Ignorance, fear and misconnects about blood donations and lack of voluntary blood donation organizations are major constraints in many developing countries to facilitate voluntary blood donation. More awareness must be create among all strata of population especially among youngsters on importance of blood donation.Regarding respondent knowledge about age limit and weight for donation, the study demonstrated 62.3 % of voluntaries replied that a person between 18-65 years old could donate blood; only 54.0 % of them knew the minimum weight for donation. In respect to the reasons of donation, most of donors 77.9 % were donated blood as a religious and humanity duty, replacement 13.6%,were donated blood for family members or friends (replacement donors), while 8.5 % believed that blood donation is good for their health. The total score of knowledge found good and acceptable among 83% of sample. While unclear for 17 % of donors, blood campaigns was the main source of information in current43 study.Regarding the attitudes of people toward blood donation, 87.9 % of the respondents showed positive attitude toward blood donation and its importance for patients care. 85.9% of donors agreed that blood in the bank is safe. Positive attitudes towards blood donation observed among 82 % of respondents while it was low percent 18 % showed poor attitudes. Regarding the total score of the practice; most of the donors 80 % had good scores.only 20 % of donors, had poor scores;The current study revealed that there is very good and acceptable knowledge of people regarding blood donation among donors, the act of donating blood was associated with a religious and humanity duty rather than replacement with voluntary donation while no asked him to donate and the donation place is far & busy were the main reasons for reluctance to donate blood. In addition, majority of respondents had good attitudes & believes that blood donation is useful, but due to insufficient information, they are less willing to take part in blood donation .Based on this study, an effective strategy should made concerning motivation to blood donors in future. This needs education through dissemination of information on blood donation particularly on electronic media and mass media.

Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, practices, Blood donation, Voluntary, holy Karbala city.