A comprehensive analysis of factors that motivate and hinder the blood donation decision among the younger population
Sonam Kumari, Tilak Raj Raina
Abstract
Background: To achieve the target goal of 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation in India and factors influencing the blood donation decision needs to be investigated. These factors influence the donation efficiency, safety, retention, collection number, and diversity of the donor pool. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the factors responsible for donating blood and the factors responsible for not donating blood among the youth of Jammu City, India. Materials and Methods: A preformed donor questionnaire was distributed among all the students with questions regarding earlier blood donations and its experience, reasons for donating blood, and the reasons for not donating blood. Results: Out of the total study population, 13.95% of students were blood donors. Main reasons for blood donation were altruism, sense of social responsibility, and for helping friends and relatives. Main reasons for not donating blood were fear of needle/fear of sight of blood, fear of illness/ill effects, objection from elders, and never been asked for blood donation. Conclusions: Fear of needle, objection from elders, transmission of HIV, blood donation leads to weight changes, and misuse of blood in hospital are the significant inhibitors among females while never been asked for blood donation, transmission of HIV, and misuse of blood are the factors that significantly inhibit the blood donation attitude among the very young population (18-20 years). To increase the blood donation, younger population must be counseled so that all the myths and the false beliefs regarding blood donation can be mitigated.