Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards blood donation in Barbados

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Blood Transfusion Services

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRD).
• Barbados relies heavily on family/replacement donations (75%), hindering a safe and reliable blood supply.
• Understanding population demographics and attitudes is crucial for effective donor recruitment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather data for developing strategies to increase voluntary blood donor mobilization in Barbados.
• To identify factors influencing blood donation behaviors within the Barbadian population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 429 participants in Barbados using self-administered questionnaires.
• Data collection included demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to blood donation.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, t-tests, and linear regression to identify significant factors.

Main Results:

• Over half (53%) of participants were previous donors, with many being lapsed donors.
• Significant knowledge deficits regarding donation requirements and deferral criteria were identified.
• Higher education and prior donation history correlated with better knowledge and attitudes; younger, single, and female participants were less likely to donate.

Conclusions:

• Educational campaigns addressing knowledge deficits can enhance voluntary blood donation in Barbados.
• Increasing public awareness about the importance of blood donation is vital for recruitment.
• Targeted strategies considering demographic factors may improve donor mobilization efforts.