Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to blood donation in a selected population in Jaffna

Poor knowledge and negative attitudes among the public regarding blood donation have resulted in insufficient availability of blood and blood products for transfusion procedures in many clinical settings. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to blood donation and their associated socio-demographic factors in Jaffna. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among service-users at the Motor Traffic Department, District Secretariat, Jaffna, between 12 noon and 4 pm during a six-week period. Data were collected through an interviewer-based questionnaire. Frequencies, proportions, and the Chi Square test were used to analyze the data with SPSS (v25). The critical level was set at 0.05. A total of 300 service users participated; of them, most were females (59%), between 18 to 39 years (77%), with at least O/L qualifications (90%). Knowledge on eligibility criteria for blood donation was low compared to knowledge on risk behaviors that rendered them ineligible. Although an overwhelming majority (96%) believed that people should donate blood, only 21% had donated once in their lifetime. The most common reason for not having donated blood was that they had not been approached for blood donation (42%). Male gender (p<0.001) and being employed (p=0.013) were significantly associated with having donated blood. Knowledge gaps exist even among a fairly educated population in Jaffna. Attitudes on blood donation seem favourable, although practices are poor. Blood donation campaigns should address knowledge gaps and actively recruit the public for blood donation. Strategies should be developed to encourage voluntary blood donation.