The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Getting to know blood donors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 02, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Getting to know blood donors

Special Correspondent

Students conduct survey to assess awareness on blood donation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Unemployed poor form the backbone of the blood donation programme in the city, according to a survey conducted by Club 25 Members of the All Saints College, Central Polytechnic and Mohandas College of Engineering.

The survey was to identify reasons behind the perpetual shortage of blood for clinical use in Kerala. The students identified the problems in promoting voluntary blood donation and also gauged the general awareness about blood donation.

The survey covered both donors and non-donors. The findings indicated that most of the donors were young men. While 83 per cent of donors were students, mostly male, 74 per cent were working men and 43 per cent were unemployed. Nearly 40 per cent belonged to the poorer classes in society while 24 per cent were well off. In 61 per cent of cases, blood was given as replacement.

Generally men are more inclined to donate blood than women. Women donors were found to be the best motivators, but most of them were anaemic.

Voluntary blood donors who participated in the survey said they felt good and satisfied at having donated blood and being of service to society.

The study reported that most people were afraid to give blood though they viewed blood donation as a noble cause. Ironically, people who donate blood voluntarily do not always get it when they need it.

A majority of the respondents said they were not sure whether the blood they donated would be properly used. The general impression that blood can be bought, particularly in private hospitals, is a further deterrent. People seem to be unaware of the Supreme Court ban on sale and purchase of blood.

Fear of getting AIDS is another major deterrent to blood donation that the study found. There is fear of disposables needles being reused.

The report recommends continuation of the donor card system for replacement. The survey reveals that people are not aware of the cost of bags, storage, refrigeration and service components attached to blood. Respondents believe that one has to pay “service charges” for blood even after donation.

The larger social issue that the report points to is a strong “not me” segment in the population. It recommends that the government launch awareness programmes for blood banking services, including donor motivation to ensure adequate availability of safe blood. Efforts should be directed towards recruitment and retention of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors through education and awareness programmes.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala