Exploring attitudes and barriers to women donating blood in New Delhi from the perspective of blood bank workers

BACKGROUND: In India, approximately 26.2 million units of blood are required annually; however, 5.83 million units were collected in 2021. 18% of blood donors in India are women, demonstrating an untapped donor pool, but their attitudes towards donation have not been explored. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to explore women's attitudes and barriers to blood donation in New Delhi from the perspective of blood bank workers. METHODS: This is a qualitative study involving blood bank workers. Twenty-five government blood banks in New Delhi were contacted and three participated. Convenience sampling selected 14 participants and semi-structured face-to-face interviews took place. Inductive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Attitudes towards blood donation were classified into two themes: responsibility and fear. Blood bank workers suggested women believed blood donation was harmful and it was not their responsibility. Barriers to women donating blood were classified into two themes: social factors and deferral. Social factors, such as family, patriarchal society, and the role of women, reduced the exposure of women to blood donation; therefore, limiting knowledge and the opportunity to donate. Deferral due to anaemia was another barrier. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that women's perceived responsibility and fears may stem from inadequate exposure to blood donation due to women's societal roles. Social influences and anaemia can pose barriers to women donating blood. However, these opinions are from blood bank workers and not the general population; therefore, further research is required. Educational campaigns for both sexes could reduce stigma around women donating blood.