Community Attitudes and Perceptions towards Voluntary Blood Donation

Abstract

Perhaps the most essential fluid for all life is blood and it is not only symbolically rich with metaphor and connotations but also biologically essential. The idea of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, thus, assumes a tantamount importance. Blood is viewed as a vital body fluid essential for life and blood donation is lifesaving for those who need it. Access to safe and sufficient supply of blood and its product along with the safe blood transfusion services is crucial to any strong health system. Blood can save lives, but can also be a vector for harmful infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. The provision of safe and sufficient supply of blood is key to any healthy blood transfusion service, while the voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the safest source of safe blood supply. The rate of voluntary blood donation depends on the knowledge, attitude, practices along with the availability oftransfusion facilities. This study was conducted in Gilgit, Pakistan and utilised an anthropological approach as well as semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with a . heterogeneous and diverse sample of the inhabitants of Gilgit. In Pakistan, 90% of donated blood comes through replacement and paid donation, while only 10% of that is voluntary unpaid donation. This study postulates that blood plays an important role in the culture ofthese communities. The gap between the supply and demand of blood in Gilgit is huge as only approximately 2-3 percent of blood donation comes voluntarily, while the remaining comes through replacement which happens to be widely practised. The respondents have a very limited understanding of blood transfusion, a highly positive attitude towards voluntary blood donation but very low actual practice. The major reasons are low level of awareness and campaigns, myths and negative perceptions attached with blood and blood donation. While on the other hand, sectarian based segregated human settlement and the exclusion of female blood donors also contributes to widen the gap between blood supply and demand. This study recommends knowledge enhancement campaigns and proper training of medical staff to lessen this gap. Key words: Transfusion, Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices