PROFILE AND AWARENESS OF BLOOD DONORS: A STUDY IN BLOOD BANK OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF KOLKATA

Introduction: Blood is the only oxygen transporter in the body and is crucial in saving lives. Research has failed to find a true substitute for blood and blood components The attitude, beliefs, and level of knowledge associated with blood donation will determine whether potential donors will donate blood or not. Methodology: A descriptive epidemiological study with cross sectional study design was conducted among blood donors attending the blood bank of SSKM Hospital. Result: It was found 67.08% of the donors had a knowledge score of less than 5. It was found that donors from urban areas, higher educational and socio-economic status as well as those who had previous history of blood donation had higher knowledge scores. This was statistically significant (p<0.05). Mass media like television and radio had an insignificant role in creating awareness as only 5% and 2% of the donors were made aware through these respectively. The most important source of knowledge for the donors was blood donation camps as an overwhelming 68% were made aware through these camps. Conclusion: Volunteering behavior is based on culture and determined by various factors like religion, age, sex, attitude of person, family support, and geographical locations. Our study found that all the respondents were willing to donate blood again if required in future. This positive feeling should be encouraged with proper knowledge regarding blood safety to meet the demand of blood requirement.