A follow‐up survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding blood donation in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Background and objectives Trinidad and Tobago is a multi-ethnic, multicultural country with an annual blood donation rate of 17 per 1000 and predominantly (87%) family/replacement (F/R) donors. A knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) community survey in 2003 revealed lack of information and poor access to donation centres as barriers to voluntary non-remunerated donors (VNRD). The survey was repeated in 2013 after a national intervention to increase VNRD failed. Materials and methodsThe second cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was administered to 816 adults in the same community. The variables assessed were sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes and blood donation behaviour. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software and Minitab 17. Chi-square was used to assign significance and logistic regression to analyse correlation between variables. Results of the two surveys were compared.Results There was no difference in the overall percentage of donors (18Á8 vs. 21Á1%, P = 0Á337), and a low donor percentage was observed in all sociodemographic groups (7Á7-31Á6% vs. 10Á2-31Á7%). The main reason for donating blood was replacement for a relative or friend (86Á0 vs. 86Á9% P = 0Á851). Willingness to repeat donation was high (90Á6% vs. 86Á4%, P = 0Á006). Motivators and demotivators to donation varied among sociodemographic groups.Conclusion There was no significant change in community KAP between surveys. Anthropological studies into blood donation are needed to plan an effective revised and targeted blood donation campaign. Legal and regulatory changes must facilitate VNRD. Literature reviewLownik et al. [6] identified the recurrent themes of misinformation, fear, willingness to donate and failure to convert positive attitudes into actual blood donation in a series of surveys about blood donation in developing countries. The combination of positive attitudes but poor donation

Knowledge, attitudes and risk perception surrounding blood transfusion in Trinidad and Tobago

“…Transfusion risk could be inappropriately applied to the risk of acquiring infection from donation and impede donor recruitment . Fear of contracting disease from donation has been previously identified as a major deterrent to blood donation in TTO . Data from Europe suggests that countries with high income such as TTO may be better able to reduce risk perception by implementing strategies to improve the blood transfusion quality system .…”

“…Blood transfusion research in TTO has hitherto focussed on the donation of blood. It has revealed a deficiency in public information about voluntary non‐remunerated donation . Similarly, existing F/R and voluntary donors need more information before converting to VNRD .…”

Blood utilisation in a developing society: what is the best index of efficiency?

“…Access to inadequate stock is skewed towards patients with chits, and wastage from outdating is increased. Stringent blood donor eligibility criteria, lack of information, long delays at donation centres and high deferrals make donation a laborious, uncertain process (Sampath et al, ; Charles et al, , ). Some individuals resort to paying persons to donate when F/Rs are unavailable or unwilling (Harrison & Rahaman, ).…”

“…Implementing guidelines for the clinical use of blood (World Health Organization, ) will require elemental changes to the existing processes from donation to actual transfusion: A switch to voluntary non‐remunerated blood donation to increase adequacy and accessibility of the blood supply. More information and improved convenience of donation must be provided for the general public and existing donors to move to this method of blood collection (Charles et al, ,b). The continued use of F/R donors during transitioning is fully justified (Allain & Smit‐Sibinga, ) but causes problems in utilising blood for elective surgery that are described in this survey. Technical training of blood bench staff in emergency cross‐matching techniques, whether manual or electronic (Frank et al, ) Transfusion training for clinical staff, including surgeons and anaesthetists Formation of a hospital transfusion committee (HTC) to establish guidelines, monitor and evaluate clinical practice Reduction in the need for allogeneic transfusion by preoperative correction of anaemia, preoperative autologous deposit, iso‐volaemic haemodilution, intraoperative red cell salvage and use of anti‐fibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss.…”

Comparative blood donation knowledge attitudes and practice surveys from two multi‐ethnic communities

“…We noted with interest the results of a repeat knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) survey surrounding blood donation in a multi-ethnic community in Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) [1]. The World Health Organization recommends collection from exclusively VNRD for adequacy, safety and equality [2].…”