Awareness about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and challenges for blood services among potential blood donors

Abstract

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.

Donor’s Perspectives on Blood Donation During Covid-19 Pandemic

“…The majority of participants in this study were male, similar to gender distribution reported by the world health organization (WHO) and from other Asian countries [ 14 , 15 ]. The blood collection at blood centres reduced considerably worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic [ 2 , 3 , 7 ].…”

“…Around 65% believed that blood centre staff take these safety precautions. This is in concurrence with 70% satisfaction of participants with the measures initiated to reduce Covid-19 infection [ 15 ]. The staff adherence to the Covid related protocol during blood collection and post-donation care helped gain donors' confidence.…”

“…Forty-five percent of the participants felt safe donating blood at blood centres in comparison to VBDC drives. Almalki et al had described that 65% of participants preferred mobile blood collection sites for blood donation [ 15 ]. This is different from our study findings, where only 15% had preferred VBDC for blood donation.…”

“…The new donor registration peaks in the Netherlands coincided with an appeal for blood donation in social and print media [ 16 ]. Social media was the preferred mode of information source during the Covid-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia [ 15 ]. It can also be boosted by government assistance in ensuring complimentary and hassle-free transportation of blood donors via public transportation or staff vehicles.…”

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Blood Safety

“…Due to the closure of schools, commercial and religious sites, the blood volume collect-ed at the New York Blood Center in the USA dropped by 75% from March 16 to March 22, 2020 [46]. A retrospective study in Saudi Arabia showed that the blood volume collected in the blood center decreased by 39.5% during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [45]. Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, blood donation in Madrid has decreased by about 45% [47].…”