Barriers for voluntary blood donation among the students of Government Homoeopathic Medical College, Calicut: A qualitative study

Abstract

Donating blood is an act thatcan save millions of life. This study aims to explore the barriers for voluntary blood donation among themedical students of Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College. Two focus group discussions (FGD) and six In-depth interviews (IDI) were conductedamongthe medical students. The discussions were carried out in the local language, and the verbatim was translated into English. Most of the participants were aware of the importance of donating blood to save other people and are interested in donating blood. Being anaemic and underweight were the most factors that hinders them from becoming a blood donor. The participants recommended the need for creating more awareness among the students.