Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding blood donation among the Saudi population

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation among the Saudi population. Based on this study, an effective strategy can be made regarding motivation and recruitment of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors in future.

METHODS: This cross sectional study was carried out at the Armed Forces Hospital, Sharourah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during January 2003. A total of 500 adult males were interviewed. Each individual completed a questionnaire in Arabic language containing epidemiological data and knowledge regarding blood donation and reasons of blood donation or non donation.

RESULTS: Out of 500 individuals, 291 (58.2%) were donors and 209 (41.8%) were non donors. Four hundred and seventy-one (94.2%) replied that a person more than 45-years of age could not donate blood. Fifty-one point two percent (107 out of 209) of the non-donors answered that one can donate blood once a year. Out of 291 donors, 186 (63.9%) donated blood for their family members or friends and 105 (36.1%) were volunteer blood donors. Eighty-nine non donors (42.6%) replied that they were not approached by anybody for blood donation and 80 (38.3%) considered themselves unfit for donation due to weakness.

CONCLUSION: There are misconceptions regarding blood donation among the Saudi population. This needs education and motivation through dissemination of information regarding blood donation particularly on electronic media.