ABSTRACT
Background: Voluntary non-remunerated blood donation is the key strategy to ensure availability of safe blood. India is facing shortage of 2.5 million units of blood annually and voluntary donation rate is only 50%. The present study was conducted in a fully literate district of India to assess the attitude and practice of blood donation and various associated beliefs. Methodology: This cross-sectional community based study was conducted in Cheranalloor Panchayat of Ernakulam. A total of 202 respondents selected using multi-stage sampling between 18 and 60 years of age were interviewed. Data was analyzed using computer. Results & Conclusion: 25.2% respondents ever donated blood which correlated with knowledge level (r=0.233) or attitude level (r=0.225). The major reasons for blood donation were for relatives (39.2%), in emergency for others (35.3%) and as voluntary donation (6.4%). Among non-willing, reasons cited for not willing to donate blood were ill health (46.9%), old age (25.8%) and fear of blood (16.6%). Attitude towards blood donation is low in this literate area. Proper information regarding blood donation needs to be conveyed to the community.