BLOOD DONATION RATE AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE WILLINGNESS OR UNWILLINGNESS OF THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH FROM PARTICIPATING IN BLOOD DONATION

ABSTRACT: Blood banks have an incessant need to provide adequate and safe blood supply to the community. However, the blood supply level fluctuates throughout the year because the demand remains stable or even increases but the donations decline. A descriptive study was conducted to identify the factors contributing to the willingness and unwillingness of parishioners of Good Shepherd Parish to donate blood. A survey was done to inquire about the reasons for the willingness or unwillingness of people to participate in blood donation activities. The results revealed that social, familial and personal factors affect the willingness of people to donate. On the other hand, fear, physical condition and physical factors contribute to the unwillingness of people too donate blood. There is a need to have adequate knowledge about the importance of blood donation too increase their willingness to engage in blood donation activities. Implementation of active decision intervention along with an informative seminar about blood donation could be the next best strategy to heighteen people`s enthusiasm to help those in need of blood.

Department of Community & Family Medicine