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.