Sir,Blood stored in blood banks is inadequate to meet the needs of patients. There is a steady decline in blood donation while the demand for transfusion continues to rise.[1] Voluntary donation system is by far the best and it needs to be strengthened.[2] It is important that voluntary non-remunerated blood donations should be promoted, accepted and practiced for safe blood supply.[3] Our donor base comprised predominantly replacement donors till 2002, when focused effort were put into trying to increase our voluntary donor numbers. However this process has been slow. To see how we could improve our voluntary donor recruitment strategies, this study was designed to investigate reasons for donating and not donating.A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed randomly to donors and non-donors and 435 questionnaires were returned; giving a response rate of 87%. Donors tend to be motivated by altruism, humanitarian reasons, peer pressure and curiosity, whereas non-donors cite the following reasons for not donating: medical problems, fear of needles, general apprehension and fear of after effects.[4]Blood banks should continue to improve upon the waiting time and donor care. Asking for people’s opinions, comments and suggestions is a part of customer service which helps to understand the strength and weakness of a blood bank.Interviews with local people revealed that there were common myths, fears and superstitions regarding blood donation. Overcoming negative attitudes about blood donation is a major step in recruitment strategy. The study results suggest that the blood bank should reduce the perceived risks associated with blood donation [Table 1].
Table 1
Characteristics of Respondents (n = 435)
Characteristics of Respondents (n = 435)Our study results indicate that typical blood donors belong to a younger age group with a higher level of education. The donors and non-donors were found to vary in their behaviors as well as in their attitudes and beliefs. Blood banks should launch promotional programs to address the value of blood donation and to correct some of the misconceptions. However blood bank should cut down waiting time to improve donor care so as to encourage donors to develop a donation habit.