Year: 2025 | Month: April | Volume: 15 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 306-314
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250444
“To Donate or Not to Donate”: A Multi-center Comparative Analysis of Donor Attitudes on Blood Donation in COVID versus post COVID Era
Pandeep Kaur1, Rajat Bansal1, Rakesh Kumar2, Akarshan Gupta1, Mohitpreet Singh3
1Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, NIMS University Jaipur
2Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank, AIIMS Patna
3PGI diagnostic Centre, Batala
Corresponding Author: Rajat Bansal
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted blood donation services worldwide, including in India. Travel restrictions, fear of infection, and new deferral guidelines contributed to a significant drop in voluntary blood donations. Understanding the attitudes and motivations of repeat blood donors (RBDs) during such a crisis is essential to maintain a stable blood supply.
Aim: To assess the attitudes and motivations of repeat blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and compare them with their behavior during the pre-COVID period.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed across India via email, instant messaging, and social media platforms. The survey collected demographic data and assessed donor attitudes in three categories: positive, negative, and neutral—both during the COVID-19 and pre-COVID periods. A total of 596 eligible RBDs were included in the final analysis. Chi-square tests were used to compare responses based on age, gender, residence, education, donation frequency, and history of COVID-19 infection.
Results: Of the 596 RBDs, 82.21% were aged 18–35 years, 88.42% were male, and 52.35% resided in urban areas. Education level, residence, donation frequency, and prior COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with changes in donor attitudes across various questions. Education level showed a strong influence on both positive and negative attitudes (p < 0.01). Urban donors exhibited more positive attitudes and fewer negative perceptions compared to their rural counterparts during the pandemic. Donors with previous COVID-19 infection showed increased willingness to donate again.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic altered donor attitudes and motivations, with educational status, residence, and prior infection playing significant roles. Targeted awareness strategies and donor engagement based on these factors may help sustain blood donation during future health emergencies.
Key words: COVID-19, blood donation, repeat blood donors, donor motivation, donor attitude, India, pandemic impact