AWARENESS AND WILLINGNESS TOWARDS VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION AMONG PATIENT ATTENDERS IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A SEMI-QUANTITATIVE STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2026v18i5.58586Keywords:
Blood donation, Hospital, Patient participation, KnowledgeAbstract
Objective: Voluntary blood donation (VBD) is essential for a safe and sustainable blood supply. In India, blood is classified as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, making its quality and safety a critical public health and regulatory responsibility. Evidence on blood donation knowledge, attitudes, and practices in rural populations is limited, underscoring the need to address this gap.
Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted over a period of one year at a rural tertiary care hospital. Quantitative data were collected from 150 patient attenders through random sampling using pretested validated questionnaire. Two in-depth focus group discussions were conducted as qualitative interviews to generate themes to explore underlying motivations, fears, and barriers. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to interpret findings of recorded data.
Results: Awareness of voluntary blood donation was high (88.7%); however, knowledge of donor eligibility criteria was limited. Although majority considered blood donation a moral duty (92.7%), only 26% had ever donated. Key barriers included misconception of having insufficient blood, fear of needles, and poor access to blood banks (85.3%). Qualitative findings revealed the influence of family approval and persistent misconceptions. Willingness to donate if incentives were offered was also noted, highlighting need for community-based awareness programmes.
Conclusion: A significant attitude–practice gap exists in rural communities pertaining to voluntary blood donation. Presence of awareness and positive perceptions do not consistently translate into donation behavior. A comprehensive, community-centered approach combining education, accessibility, reassurance, and positive donor engagement is therefore essential to improve and sustain voluntary blood donation practices in rural settings.
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