KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MILITARY EMPLOYEES OF THE NATIONAL GUARD TOWARD BLOOD DONATION IN RIYADH

Abstract

Introduction and Background: Blood donation is vital supportive therapy for patients who are in need of blood transfusion and a beneficial procedure that saves patient's life. The study aims to access the knowledge attitude and practice among the military employees working in National Guard Riyadh Saudi Arabia about blood donation in order to motivate military employees to donate blood. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with military employees working in Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the information about knowledge, attitude and practice of the participants about blood donation. Convenience sampling technique was used to identify 264 officers and soldiers Informed consent was taken from all who agree to be part of the study. Data was entered in excel first and later transferred to SPSS for analysis. Results: Response rate was 272(84.3 %). Regarding the knowledge about blood donation 220(82%) knew the location of nearest blood bank, and 69(26%) knew the minimum interval between two times blood donations. Almost two third participants agreed that blood donation is a healthy practice. Most of them 205(77%) had donated blood sometime in their life. A day off from work was considered as good motivation factor by 229(86%). Conclusion: In conclusion the overall attitude and practices about blood donation of soldiers and officers was good. The knowledge about blood donation was relatively low.