IMPACTS OF AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ON VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION RATES.
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Keywords
Voluntary blood donation; awareness campaign; perception barriers; motivational factors
Abstract
Background: Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD) is the cornerstone of a safe and sustainable blood supply. However, voluntary donation rates remain suboptimal in developing nations, primarily due to inadequate awareness, persistent misconceptions, and logistical barriers. Structured awareness campaigns represent a promising intervention to bridge the gap between donor willingness and actual donation behaviour.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multi-modal awareness intervention on voluntary blood donation rates, donor knowledge, perception barriers, and motivational drivers among eligible adults at a tertiary care centre in North India.
Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over six months. Adult participants aged 18–60 years were enrolled from hospital-based and community outreach settings. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire at baseline and six weeks post-intervention. The intervention comprised interactive health education sessions, printed materials, digital reminders, individual counselling, community sensitization, and mobile blood collection units. Pre- and post-intervention data were compared using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Lack of awareness was the most prevalent barrier (50.0%), followed by logistical concerns (40.0%), misconceptions regarding eligibility (37.4%), and fear of needles (19.9%), all of which showed statistically significant improvement post-intervention (p<0.01). Altruism was the dominant motivator among repeat donors (mean score 4.02 vs. 2.99 in first-time donors), while fear of pain was more prominent among first-time donors (3.61 vs. 2.05). Digital outreach reduced donation intervals by 38.9% and deferral rates by 31.9%, attracting a younger donor demographic. Mobile collection units increased voluntary donation share from 8.50% to 14.39%, improving community trust and donor diversity.
Conclusion: Multi-modal awareness campaigns significantly reduce barriers and improve voluntary blood donation rates. Targeted, context-sensitive strategies — combining digital engagement, community outreach, and mobile accessibility — are essential to achieving sustained voluntary donor recruitment, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Dr. Ankita Sharma
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh institute of medical sciences, Etawah, Saifai, UP
Dr. Piyush Kariwala
Assistant professor, Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh institute of medical sciences, Etawah, Saifai, UP
Dr. Mahima
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh institute of medical sciences, Etawah, Saifai, UP
Dr. Nandini Gupta
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh institute of medical sciences, Etawah, Saifai, UP
