TY - JOUR AU - Fenomanana, Jocia AU - Ramaminiaina, Heritiana Gisèle AU - Randriatsarafara, Fidiniaina Mamy AU - Randriamanantany, Zely Arivelo PY - 2023/01/24 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Voluntary blood donation promotion in Haute Matsiatra region of Madagascar JF - South Eastern European Journal of Public Health JA - SEEJPH VL - IS - SE - Original Research DO - 10.56801/seejph.vi.203 UR - http://seejph.com/index.php/seejph/article/view/203 SP - AB - <p><strong>Aims:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Access to sufficient, secure supplies of blood and safe transfusion services is an essential part of any strong health system. The Haute Matsiatra region has a need for blood and blood products that exceeds current availability (only 7% of needs are met). The aim of this study ls to assess community knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding voluntary blood donation in order to identify the obstacles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>We have conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from 26<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;to 31<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;July 2019 within a sample of 300 subjects using a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.0.2.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Results:&nbsp;</strong>All participants were unanimous about vital role of blood so that 62.3% were willing to donate blood but only 13% have ever donated blood. The majority of respondents (60.0%) had never heard sensitization about blood donation. The reason for non-donation were related to fears of needlestick injuries during the blood collect (38.3%), fear of blood borne diseases (17%), the lack of sensitization (6%). There was a positive significant relationship between level of education and willingness to donate blood (p-value &lt;0, 05). The likelihood of blood donation was found to be higher among male participant 28 (71.8%) p&lt;0.05, and among &gt;45 years group (21.4 %) p= 0.03. Among those who ever donated blood, only 37 (26.6%) of them have received sensitization about donation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Conclusion:&nbsp;</strong>There is growing interest in blood donation among the population. Activities to promote blood volunteer donation should take into account the demotivating reasons for blood donation.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Source of funding</strong>&nbsp;: None</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Conflict of interest statement:&nbsp;</strong>The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Authors’ contributions&nbsp;:&nbsp;</strong>All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and critically revising the paper and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.</p><p><u>&nbsp;</u></p><p><strong>Acknowledgments&nbsp;:</strong>&nbsp;We thank all those who, directly or indirectly, have contributed to this publication.</p> ER -