Scientific Journal of

  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

  Women population compared with men is at lower risk of blood-transmitted infections therefore, encouraging women to donate blood is very significant. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of Arak female students and teachers about safe blood donation criteria.

 Materials and Methods

 In this cross-sectional study, 617 female students and teachers were selected by random sampling method and the data on demographic characteristics, motivation, and individual awareness about blood donation were collected by questionnaires. Finally, the data were analysed by SPSS 16 software.

 Results

  Out of the total number of the female students, 6.4% and 25% of teachers had the previous history of blood donation. The most important motivation for blood donation in both groups was to save patients and the most important barrier for blood donation was anaemia. Knowledge levels were low in both groups. The results showed a meaningful relationship between maternal education (p=0.04) and the history of blood donation (p=0.001) with knowledge levels.

 Conclusions

  A significant percentage of females have a low knowledge about blood donation. Based on the findings of the present survey, it is recommended that training about the importance of blood donation in females be promoted extensively.