PERCEPTION OF BLOOD DONATION AMONG PAKISTANI YOUTH

Abstract

Objective: To explore the factors which motivate or hamper our youngsters for blood donation and to understand the behavior of youth regarding blood donation through which we can rise voluntary blood donation.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore, from Jan 2017 to Sep 2017.

Methodology: A self-designed detailed questionnaire was designed, comprised of the demographic status of the subject, various aspects of the attitudes, perceptions, and drives toward blood donation including the questions regarding earlier blood donation, their experience, future planning for blood donation and reasons for not donating the blood.

Results: Out of the 789 participants, only 284 (36.01%) were blood donors including 231 (81.39%) males and 53 18.61%) females. Altruism, sense of social responsibility, volunteerism, spiritual pleasure and gaining experience were major factors for blood donation while never asked for donation, objection from elders, fear for the needle, fear of adverse effects, weight gain/loss were the barriers which impede our youngsters for blood donation.

Conclusion: Blood donation can be up surged with proper counseling, diminishing out spread myths and false perception among young population of Pakistan.