Perceptions About Blood Transfusion Therapy Among the General Public and Healthcare Professionals in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: Blood transfusion is a conventional therapeutic procedure; however, the perceptions of general public and healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially physicians and nurses, remain unclear, although the insights of HSPs may affect the treatment decision. This study aimed to assess the awareness of HCPs and the public about blood transfusion risks and consent in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, to uncover the factors that may influence such perceptions. Patients and Methods: This study used two different closed questionnaires that were distributed electronically between February and March 2018 among the population and HCPs in Qassim region. Results: A total of 400 general public participants and 135 HCPs completed the survey. Among the surveyed participants, 70% believed that blood transfusion therapy was safe. The perceived risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was the highest among all complications (74%). Furthermore, 88.2% of respondents were willing to accept a blood transfusion as a therapeutic measure, primarily from a first-degree relative, although the remaining 11.8% rejected the idea of a transfusion due to fear of medical error. From the HCP survey, 80% were previously involved in a blood transfusion therapy consent process. HCPs typically reported explaining the benefits, risks, and alternatives described in the consent form (74.1%, 67.4%, and 53.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Our results indicated that despite the current high level of acceptance and knowledge regarding blood transfusions, additional educational efforts remain necessary to increase public awareness of blood transfusion therapy.

Surgical patients' perception about risks related to blood transfusion: A cross‐sectional survey

“…They believed transmission of infection (hepatitis, malaria, HIV/AIDS) to be the most frequently occurring complication of blood transfusion. These results are similar to the findings of previous studies conducted on patients' perception and attitude towards blood transfusion 7,16,17 . The reason for the fear of infection being the main concern among patients appears to be the widespread media coverage of transfusion‐transmitted HIV‐infections in haemophilic patients in the 1980s.…”

“…These results are similar to the findings of previous studies conducted on patients' perception and attitude towards blood transfusion. 7,16,17 The reason for the fear of infection being the main concern among patients appears to be the widespread media coverage of transfusiontransmitted HIV-infections in haemophilic patients in the 1980s. This coverage enhanced public's fear of blood transfusion-related infections that seems to have continued to this day.…”

“…Graw et al have reported that 10.9% of their patients considered blood transfusion to be harmful 16 . In a recent study, Alsharidah and colleagues 17 performed a survey on the perception of blood transfusion among general public and health professionals. Among their study participants, 29% perceived that blood transfusion was not safe.…”