Knowledge of physicians has an important role in optimal use of blood products. This study was carried out to assess Iranian physicians' knowledge in transfusion medicine. In this cross-sectional study, 1242 physicians were selected through multistage sampling method in March 2007. Physicians' knowledge was assessed by the questionnaire comprising of 50 questions addressing basic knowledge, clinical aspects of blood use and transfusion reactions. One point was awarded for each correct answer. Approximately 22%, 37%, and 40% of the questions referring to basic knowledge, clinical aspects of blood use and transfusion reactions, respectively, were replied correctly. Thirty three percent came out to be the average figure for the questions receiving correct answers. Knowledge score of the specialists who were more frequently involved in blood use was not significantly different from other specialists (radiologists or psychiatrics) and general practitioners. Knowledge score decreased with increasing years in practice (P < 0.001). Ninety nine percent of physicians under the study believed that they required special education to raise their transfusion medicine knowledge. Knowledge of physicians was about one-third lower than the expected level. Therefore, educational materials concerning transfusion medicine should be provided for medical students, residents and fellows. For practicing physicians, continuous medical education programmes should be offered so that the level of transfusion medicine knowledge can be improved.

The most important aim of all blood transfusion centres is to recruit blood donors from low-risk groups of society to donate blood voluntarily and regularly to have a safe and continuous blood supply. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation in the city of Yazd, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 1394 cases aged between 20 and 60 years were selected by clustering sampling method and asked to fill a specially formatted questionnaire. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, Sheffe test and t-test. Less than half of the population under study was aware about the appropriate age for blood donation and certain deferral criteria. Only 98% of them believed that blood donation is a moral duty with a spiritual reward and 38% of the population under study (60% of men and 16% of women) had donated blood at least once in the past. There was a direct relationship between knowledge and performance (P= 0.000). Women and young people had the least levels of knowledge and performance. Although the attitude level of women was high, their performance level was very low. Increase in the level of knowledge of women and young should be the topmost priority. Barriers to donation of blood by women who comprise half of the population should be studied and evaluated, and steps must be taken to remove or decrease them as far as possible. Advertisements should be with the aim of increasing the level of awareness of the general population regarding specific factors of blood donation and keeping fresh the idea of regular voluntary blood donations in their minds.

Iron deficiency anaemia is an important limiting factor for the number of donations in regular donors. Limited data is available on the iron status in Iranian donors. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of iron deficiency and its related factors in blood donors at Yazd blood transfusion centre, Iran. In this descriptive study, 337 persons accepted for donation in 2003 were selected randomly. Haemoglobin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and ferritin concentrations were measured. Results showed that the prevalence of reduction in iron stores increased with an increase in the number of donations (P = 0.0001), such that reduction in iron stores was seen in all regular female donors (100%) and 48% of regular male blood donors. The prevalence of iron deficiency in female and male regular donors was 78 and 28%, whereas 55.6 and 16% of these donors had iron deficiency anaemia. Just one blood donation resulted in a significant increase in the prevalence of iron deficiency in women (P < 0.05), but in men, a significant increase was seen only in regular donors (P < 0.05). It is therefore recommended that blood donors should be educated about iron deficiency, and research studies should be performed to determine the best method of iron supplementation with minimal complications for all regular blood donors and women of childbearing age on their first donation.

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