Public awareness of blood donation in Central Saudi Arabia
نویسندگان
چکیده
INTRODUCTION In Saudi Arabia, voluntary donors are the only source of blood donation. The aim of this study was to assess the level of public knowledge and attitude toward blood donation in Saudi Arabia. METHODS Using a previously validated questionnaire that comprises 38 questions to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and motivations towards blood donation, 469 Saudi adults who attended different shopping malls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were surveyed. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify the significant predictors of blood donation, with the significance set at P<0.05. RESULTS Approximately half of all subjects (53.3%) reported that they had previously donated blood, 39% of whom had donated more than once. The knowledge percentage mean score was 58.07%, denoting a poor level of knowledge, with only 11.9% reporting a good level of knowledge. The attitude percentage mean score towards donation was 75.45%, reflecting a neutral attitude towards donating blood, with 31.6% reporting a positive attitude. Donation was significantly more prevalent among males than females (66% versus 13.3%; P<0.001). After adjustment for confounders, a higher knowledge score (t=2.59; P=0.01), a higher attitude score (t=3.26; P=0.001), and male sex (t=10.45; P<0.001) were significant predictors of blood donation. An inability to reach the blood donation centers and a fear of anemia were the main reasons for females not donating blood (49.9% and 35.7%, respectively), whereas a lack of time was the main reason for males (59.5%). CONCLUSION Prevalence of blood donation was less than satisfactory among the Saudi public, probably due to misconceptions, poor knowledge, and unfavorable attitude to donation. Educational programs are necessary to increase the level of knowledge and improve the attitude of the Saudi public toward blood donation. Providing mobile blood collection units nearer to individuals' places of work to reduce their time costs of donating is a necessity.
منابع مشابه
The role of biobanks in elucidating prevalent genetic diseases in Saudi Arabia.
Biobanking entails large-scale collection of human biological specimens that are linked to the donors' health and personal information, and has several applications in clinical research. Human biological specimens, such as blood, urine and tissue, have become immensely important to medical research: they offer a valuable source of genetic material that researchers can use to identify disease-as...
متن کاملThe role of public relations of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization in motivation of Ardabil citizens in blood donation
Abstract Background and Objectives The main mission of blood centers is to provide safe and adequate blood products for patients. With the advancement of science and technology, the need for safe blood still has priority and no substitute for human blood is discovered. Participation in social activities such as voluntary blood donation should be provoked by different entities including public ...
متن کاملReform in Accounting Standards: Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Middle East countries have begun to implement economic reforms to stimulate private investment, promote economic growth and support the transition to market economy. Although, it is difficult to define the direct impact of the accounting system reform on economic transformation, as there are many other conditions that have influence on the transition process. However, with the central position ...
متن کاملAttitudes and beliefs on organ donation among students in a university in Central Saudi Arabia
OBJECTIVES Thousands of people with end-stage organ disease and organ failures die waiting for donations. Although, Saudi Arabia has an active center for organ transplantation, the number of donors is still low. The study focus was the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of university students toward organ donation, because the youth are agents of change in their communities and could help to pro...
متن کاملAtherosclerotic disease and risk factor modification in Saudi Arabia: a call to action
PURPOSE Atherosclerotic disease (AD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. Intensive risk reduction therapy plays a major role in reducing adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with AD. The level of awareness of this important fact amongst physicians (family physicians, general internists, cardiologists and vascular surgeons) in managing these patients in Saudi Arab...
متن کامل