Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding blood donation among rural adults aged 18-59 years in Bihar, India: A...

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for voluntary blood donation by healthy donors to ensure the availability of safe blood. India faces a significant gap between blood demand and supply for various acute and chronic conditions. This study assesses blood donation knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as the barriers affecting the willingness to donate blood and predictors of good knowledge and favorable attitudes toward blood donation among the rural adult population in Bihar.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2023 in the Naubatpur block of Patna district, Bihar, involving 500 adults aged 18-59 years via a multistage sampling technique for the enrollment of participants. Data were collected via a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of knowledge and attitude scores.

Approximately 67.4% of the respondents were aware of blood donation, while 39.8% were aware of their blood group. Only 10.8% had donated blood, with 58.5% having donated only once. Nearly 29.08% had good knowledge regarding blood donation. Major barriers included no specific reason, perceived pain, and a fear of needles.

In our study, nearly two out of three participants were aware of blood donation, but hardly one out of three was aware of their blood group. Only slightly more than one-fourth had good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward blood donation, while only one out of 10 had donated blood in the past. Despite good knowledge about blood donation, actual practices were low among the study population. Educational level significantly influences awareness and attitudes. Health education and periodic awareness programs are essential to dispel myths and promote voluntary blood donation in rural areas.