Knowledge and attitudes about blood donation in residents of the Chigüilpe commune

Abstract

Introduction: blood transfusion is a procedure performed daily in health institutions to ensure clinical and surgical care. Every year, blood needs are greater than availability, which influences the scarcity of the resource. This research was conducted with the aim of describing knowledge and attitudes about blood donation.Methods: a cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 146 people from the Chigüilpe commune. A 19-question survey was used, divided into two dimensions: the first assesses sociodemographic data and the second information related to knowledge about donations. The instrument was applied in person and through an online form.Results: males predominated over females (60,3 %), 37,7 % were between 45 and 60 years old, 65,8% reported having donated blood at some point, 1,4 % reported not knowing the usefulness of donated blood, only 2,7 % considered donating to be harmful to health, and 81,5 % expressed their willingness to donate in the future. The main motivation for donating was that a family member or friend needed the blood (63 %).Conclusions: the residents of the Chigüilpe commune showed a moderate general knowledge about blood donations, which became lower when dealing with specifics on the subject such as requirements. A positive attitude towards donation and a low percentage of erroneous beliefs were found