Female Contribution in Blood Donation and Alternatives: Fact & Factual

Abstract

Background: Blood can neither be manufactured nor can be procured from other creatures and can only be taken from healthy human beings between the ages 18-65 years for providing safe blood/component to the needy human beings. So, equal participation from males and females should be an ideal situation. Aims of Study: This study aims at elaborating the contribution of female participation in voluntary blood donation in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data of blood donors, visiting at the blood bank, J. A hospital, Gwalior from 2004-2014 for blood donation were retrieved, compiled and analyzed on gender basis. Results: A total number of 1, 37,767 donors donated blood during the above mentioned period, 94,729 (68.8%) were voluntary and 43,038 (31.2%) were relative donors (p= 0.00000). Proportion of male vs. female blood donation was found to be 1, 32,470 (96.16%) & 5,297 (3.84%) respectively and we found a statistically significant difference in blood donation rate between males and females p<0.00001. Conclusion: From the present study, it can be concluded that female participation in Gwalior, India is significantly lower as compared to findings from developed countries. There is a need to educate the female population to address the negative perceptions against blood donation and the importance of blood donation.