Abstract

ALFONSO VALDES, María Elena et al. Social and cultural aspects related to blood donation in Cuba. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2002, vol.18, n.3. ISSN 0864-0289.

A research work was carried out in 4 provincial blood banks in the country to determine the level of knowledge of the population and the health care workers of these centers regarding blood, blood donation, blood transfusion and their influence in the promotion of voluntary blood donations at a regular basis. In this study the Methodological Guide for research of social and cultural aspects related to voluntary blood donation of the World Health Organization (WHO) was used. The study yielded that most of the population knows about these topics and have a positive attitude towards donation but do not know well aspects such as donation frequency and its effect on health. The knowledge of health workers at blood banks about blood groups and the window period must be strengthened. The blood banks should increase their role in the promotion of voluntary blood donations at a regular basis

Keywords : BLOOD DONORS [education]; HEALTH PROMOTION [methods]; RESEARCH; BLOOD BANKS.