Syeda Ghadeer Zehra Naqvi, Rabia Qadeer, Uzma Naseeb, Ramsha Shahid.
Assessment of Knowledge of Medical Students regarding Female as under Represented Group of Blood Donors.
J Saidu Med Col Jan ;9(2):215-9.

Background: Globally male gender predominance is found in blood donation. Female gender participation in blood donation is subordinate. Particularly in Pakistan great proportion of blood donors were male. Objectives: The aim of present study was to determine knowledge of medical students regarding female gender participation in blood donation. Participation of medical students in promoting female blood donation was also investigated. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Jinnah Sindh Medical University during the period of May to August 2018. A total of 104 medical students were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22. Results: In present study 55 (96 .4%) male students and 2 (3.5 %) female students were blood donors (p = 0.00001). Majority of medical students 89 (85.5%) reported that most of the blood donors in Pakistan are males. Several factors restrict females to donate. Noticeable factors reported by participants includes post donation complications 88 (84.6%), pregnancy and lactation 76 (73.1%), anemia 46 (44.2%), lack of knowledge 51 (49.0%), fear of obtaining infections 16 (15.3%) and cultural and religious beliefs 12 (11.5%). Conclusion: Knowledge of study group concerning female gender participation in blood donation is good. To improve participation of females in blood donation removal of donation barriers and misconceptions is essential. Medical students are good source of promoting female participation in blood donation. Medical students are efficient and accessible source for donor awareness programs, motivational campaigns and camping that are essential for recruitment of female donors.

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