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Awareness about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and challenges for blood services among potential blood donors
Saud Almalki1, Mohamed Asseri1, Yahya Khawaji1
1Blood Banking and Transfusion Diploma, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Society of Transfusion Medicine, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Fear of contracting COVID-19 deterred many potential blood donors during the pandemic. Addressing these concerns through enhanced safety measures and communication is crucial for maintaining a safe blood supply.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Blood Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global blood supplies.
- Physical distancing and misinformation impacted blood donation rates.
- Lack of donor knowledge about disease transmission contributed to the crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate blood donor knowledge and awareness of COVID-19.
- To identify donor fears and reasons for not donating blood during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory, survey-based, cross-sectional study.
- Targeted the Saudi population for data collection.
Main Results:
- 3841 individuals responded to the survey.
- Majority of participants were males (74.5%) aged 31-50 (58%).
- Over 60% were previous or repeat blood donors, with most concerned about virus transmission from other donors.
Conclusions:
- Fear of COVID-19 infection during blood donation is a primary concern for donors.
- Blood collection facilities need optimal safety measures to mitigate risks.
- Clear communication of safety protocols is essential to reassure donors and ensure a stable blood supply.
Background:
The Coronavirus- 19 disease pandemic had a significant impact on the blood supply around the world. Physical distancing measures and many other factors contribute to this impact. Misinformation about methods of disease transmission and lack of knowledge among potential blood donors may contribute to this.
Aim:
To assess the knowledge and awareness of blood donors about COVID-19 as well as their reasons and fears that prevent them from donating blood during this period.
Methods:
This is an exploratory; survey based cross sectional study targeting Saudi population.
Results:
A total number of 3841 persons responded to the survey; 58 % were between the ages of (31-50) years. Most participants 74.5 % were males. More than 60 % of participants donated blood previously, and many were repeat donors. The majority of participants were concerned about the transmission of the virus during the blood donation process mostly secondary to concerns about contact with other blood donors.
Conclusion:
Fear of contracting COVID-19 during donating blood is an important concern for potential blood donors. Blood collection facilities must take optimum precautionary measures to minimize this risk and are encouraged to communicate these efforts to potential donors for reassurance to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply.
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